Common Brands Containing Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic, a class of drugs that kills parasitic worms by disrupting their energy metabolism. While many different generic and combination products exist, the most recognized brand names containing fenbendazole are Panacur and Safe-Guard, both manufactured by Merck Animal Health.
Panacur
Panacur is a well-established brand for deworming various animals. The active ingredient is always fenbendazole, but the concentration and formulation differ depending on the specific product and target species.
- Panacur® C Canine Dewormer: This over-the-counter product is widely available and packaged in pre-measured pouches of granules, often in 1, 2, and 4-gram sizes, to treat dogs based on their body weight.
- Panacur® Paste 10%: Flavored with artificial apple-cinnamon, this paste is designed for horses and provides accurate dosing with a convenient syringe applicator.
- Panacur® Granules 22.2%: This prescription product, mixed with food, is used to treat a wide range of animals, including exotic and zoo species like large cats and bears.
- Panacur® AquaSol: A liquid formulation designed for use in pigs and poultry, which can be mixed with drinking water.
Safe-Guard
Safe-Guard is another prominent brand containing fenbendazole, typically marketed for livestock, but also offering canine-specific products.
- Safe-Guard® Canine Dewormer: Similar to Panacur C, this product comes in granule packets for dosing dogs based on weight.
- Safe-Guard® Dewormer for Goats & Cattle: Available as a 10% liquid suspension, this product is used for deworming goats and beef or dairy cattle.
- Safe-Guard® Equine Dewormer: This line includes various formulations, such as pastes and pellets, for treating internal parasites in horses.
- Safe-Guard® 0.5% Pelleted Dewormer: An alfalfa-based pellet designed to be mixed with feed for cattle and horses.
Formulations for Different Species
Products containing fenbendazole are formulated specifically for the needs and typical administration methods of different animals. This helps ensure proper dosing and palatability.
Canines
- Granules: Fenbendazole granules, as found in Panacur C and Safe-Guard Canine, are designed to be mixed with a small amount of the dog's food. This ensures easy ingestion and proper absorption.
- Liquid Suspension: A liquid form is also available, particularly useful for smaller dogs, puppies, or when mixing with food is challenging.
Equines
- Paste: The apple-cinnamon flavored paste is a common choice for horses, as it can be easily administered via a syringe into the mouth.
- Pellets: For herd treatments, pellets can be spread over the horse's daily feed ration.
Livestock
- Suspension (Drench): Liquid suspensions for cattle and goats, like Safe-Guard Dewormer, can be administered as a drench using a dosing gun.
- Medicated Feed/Premix: Large herds can be treated by mixing medicated feed, which contains a specific concentration of fenbendazole, into their rations.
Which Parasites are Treated with Fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole's wide effectiveness against various parasites makes it a popular choice for veterinary professionals. The range of parasites treated includes:
- Intestinal Worms:
- Roundworms (Toxocara spp., Toxascaris spp.)
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria spp.)
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
- Certain tapeworms (Taenia spp.)
- Other Parasites:
- Lungworms (Oslerus spp.)
- Protozoan parasites like Giardia
Comparison of Panacur C and Safe-Guard Canine
| Feature | Panacur C | Safe-Guard Canine |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Fenbendazole | Fenbendazole |
| Availability | Over-the-counter | Over-the-counter |
| Formulation | Granules in pre-measured pouches | Granules in pre-measured pouches |
| Treatment Length | 3 consecutive days for labeled parasites | 3 consecutive days for labeled parasites |
| Target Parasites | Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Taenia tapeworms | Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Taenia tapeworms |
| Administration | Mix with food | Mix with food |
Important Safety Information
Despite its effectiveness in animals, it is crucial to understand that fenbendazole is not approved for human use by the FDA. Self-administering this medication is dangerous and can lead to severe side effects, including drug-induced liver injury. Any anecdotal claims regarding its use for cancer in humans are unproven, and individuals should always seek advice from a medical professional and only use approved treatments.
Conclusion
In summary, fenbendazole is the active ingredient in many veterinary antiparasitic medications, most commonly known as Panacur and Safe-Guard. These products are available in various forms, including granules, liquids, and pastes, tailored for a broad spectrum of animals, from small pets to large livestock. It is a highly effective treatment for common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and certain tapeworms. However, strict adherence to veterinary guidance is essential, and this medication should never be used by humans, given its specific veterinary formulation and potential risks.
