Boehringer Ingelheim: The Maker of Zactran
Who makes Zactran? The answer is Boehringer Ingelheim, a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry with a dedicated and expansive animal health division. Zactran, with its active ingredient gamithromycin, is one of their key products for ruminant health, specifically designed to combat bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
Boehringer Ingelheim's Animal Health business is a global leader, developing and producing a wide range of veterinary medicines and vaccines for livestock, companion animals, and veterinary public health. Their commitment to research and innovation is central to creating products like Zactran, which offers a reliable, single-injection treatment for a common and costly cattle illness.
Zactran's Active Ingredient: Gamithromycin
At the core of Zactran's efficacy is its active ingredient, gamithromycin. This is a macrolide-class antimicrobial, a group of antibiotics known for their ability to fight bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis. Macrolides are particularly effective against the common bacterial pathogens associated with BRD, including:
- Mannheimia haemolytica
- Pasteurella multocida
- Histophilus somni
- Mycoplasma bovis
The properties of macrolides, such as concentrating in the lungs—the site of infection—and having an extended post-antibiotic effect, allow Zactran to provide up to 10 days of therapeutic activity from a single subcutaneous injection. This reduces the need for repeated handling of stressed or sick cattle, a significant benefit for both animal welfare and farm management.
Zactran in Practice: Use and Administration
Zactran is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the neck of beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. The dosage is dependent on the animal's body weight, and for larger animals, the total dose must be divided to ensure no more than 10 mL is injected at a single site. This provides a straightforward and efficient treatment protocol for producers and veterinarians alike.
The benefits of Zactran's single-dose, long-acting formula include:
- Rapid Action: It reaches the site of infection within 30 minutes and leads to clinical improvement, such as lower temperature and increased alertness, within 24 hours.
- Reduced Stress: A single injection minimizes the need to re-handle sick cattle, a major stressor that can impede recovery.
- Extended Protection: The 10-day therapeutic effect ensures comprehensive treatment and control of BRD with minimal labor.
Boehringer Ingelheim's dedication to research is reflected in Zactran's performance, providing a strategic tool for managing BRD. The product is a testament to the company's role in advancing veterinary pharmacology to meet the evolving needs of the animal health market.
The Importance of Understanding Drug Manufacturers
For veterinarians and animal producers, knowing the manufacturer of a medication like Zactran is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides confidence in the quality and safety of the product, given Boehringer Ingelheim's longstanding reputation. Second, it helps in understanding the broader portfolio of products and research the company offers, allowing for a more integrated herd health strategy. Finally, it ensures direct access to technical support and the latest research from the manufacturer, which can be invaluable when managing complex health challenges like BRD.
Zactran vs. Other Veterinary Antibiotics for BRD
To understand Zactran's place in the market, it's helpful to compare it with other veterinary antibiotics used for BRD. The choice of antibiotic depends on a variety of factors, including pathogen susceptibility, efficacy, and treatment protocol.
| Feature | Zactran (Gamithromycin) | Tulathromycin (e.g., Draxxin) | Florfenicol (e.g., Nuflor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boehringer Ingelheim | Zoetis [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] | Merck Animal Health [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
| Class | Macrolide | Macrolide | Fluorinated Thiamphenicol [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
| Dosage | Single subcutaneous dose | Single subcutaneous dose | Multiple intramuscular or subcutaneous doses [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
| Duration of Action | 10 days | 10–14 days | 48 hours [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
| Primary Use | Treatment and control of BRD | Treatment and control of BRD | Treatment of BRD [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
| Key Advantage | Rapid absorption and concentration in lungs | Extended duration and wide-spectrum | Broad spectrum, but requires multiple doses for extended effect [Search results lack specifics, general knowledge] |
Conclusion
Boehringer Ingelheim is the manufacturer of Zactran, a specialized veterinary antibiotic containing the active ingredient gamithromycin. Designed for the treatment and control of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), Zactran offers cattle producers and veterinarians a reliable, long-acting solution through a single subcutaneous injection. The product highlights the company's significant investment in research and development within its Animal Health division, contributing to the management of one of the most impactful diseases in the beef and dairy industries. By understanding not only the medication but also the company behind it, users can better leverage veterinary pharmacology for optimal herd health management.
For more detailed information on Boehringer Ingelheim's Animal Health products and portfolio, visit their official website.
