Description
Piperazine is an anthelmintic with activity against nematodes. It induces a reversible flaccid paralysis in the nematode parasites. This is provoked by hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane followed by suppression of spontaneous spike potentials. The paralysed nematodes are subsequently expelled from the gut lumen by normal peristaltic actions.
Indications
Nematode infections in horses, swine, cattle and poultry.
Horses: Strongylus, Oxyuris, Trichonema and Ascaris.
Swine: Oesophagostomum and Ascaris.
Cattle: Ascaris, Nematodirus, Ostertagia, Cooperia and Oesophagostomum.
Poultry: Ascaris and Capillaria.
Contra indications
Hypersensitivity to piperazine.
Administration to animals with a seriously impaired hepatic and/or renal function.
Side effects
Overdoses can cause colic, coughing, excessive salivation, excitation, hyperpnoea, lachrymation, spasms, sweating and vomiting.
Dosage
For oral administration:
Horses, swine and cattle:
1 - 2 g per 10 kg body weight through drinking water.
Poultry:
1 kg per 1000 litres of drinking water for 2 days.
Withdrawal times
- For meat : 2 days.
- For eggs : 2 days.
