Equimax Oral Paste (Ivermectin/Praziquantel)

What is Equimax Oral Paste?

Equimax is an anthelmintic and boticide over-the-counter medication used to treat horses and ponies. Classified as a broad spectrum and specialized parasite control chemical, Equimax is commonly referred to as a dewormer. The active ingredients are a combination of 1.87% ivermectin and 14.03% praziquant. What is Equimax Used For? Equimax is indicated for the complete elimination of internal parasites in horses over four weeks of age. It effectively eradicates tapeworms, as well as other major parasites such as pinworms, bots, and hairworms with a single does. Equimax is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe medication for horses and ponies. Equimax Horse Wormer is also FDA-approved for pregnant and nursing mares. How Does Equimax Work? Ivermectin and Praziquantel perform separate functions to achieve a common goal. Ivermectin works through the disruption of the parasite's nerve impulses by binding to the glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. At this point, the parasites become paralyzed and can be easily killed. Praziquantel works by damaging the parasite's skin, causing them to disintegrate. Debris is then eliminated through the horse's immune system.

How to use Equimax Oral Paste

The recommended dose for Equimax wormer is 91 mcg per 220 lbs of body weight and should be given to horses and ponies over four weeks of age. The medication will typically come with a syringe that holds sufficient medicine to treat a horse weighing up to 1320 lbs. It is in the form of a paste and administered orally. While the medication is not is not difficult to administer, care should be taken to follow the directions exactly. This will eliminate wasted medicine, as well as other complications which may arise from improper administration. Before commencing to administer equimax horse wormer, one must make sure the horse's mouth is empty of feed, or other food residue. The knurled ring on the plunger must be turned one quarter to the left so that the side within the closest proximity to the barrel indicates the appropriate weight marking. The ring must then be locked securely in place by an additional one quarter turn, this time to the right. The syringe should then be uncovered and placed inside the horses mouth at the space between the teeth, and the plunger should be depressed as far as possible to deposit all the medication far back on the horse's tongue. The horse's head should be tilted back at once for at least several seconds.

Equimax Oral Paste warnings and precautions

Equimax Wormer is intended for use in horses or ponies. It should never be administered to other animal species as severely dangerous results may occur, and in some cases, may result in fatalities. It should not be given to horses that will be used as a source of food. Equimax Horse Wormer is not safe for human consumption, so one should not smoke cigarettes or consume food when he or she is handling the product. It is vitally important to wash one's hands after each use. If the product comes in contact with the eyes prompt medical attention should be sought. Care must be taken to avoid contaminating soil or water. Syringes should be disposed of at an appropriate landfill or incinerated.

What do I do if I have missed a Equimax Oral Paste dose?

Since equimax horse wormer is a single-dose medication, a missed dose is typically not an issue. However, if one suspects the horse or pony may have been given an overdose, he or she should contact a veterinarian, or seek help at the nearest veterinary emergency room as soon as possible.

Equimax Oral Paste interactions

Equimax wormer should not be given to horses being treated with antibiotics, as these drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the dewormer. In addition, when the medication is consumed concurrently with food, it can potentially increase the drug's potency. This is why it is necessary to make sure the horse's mouth is empty of food or food residue before administering the medication.

Equimax Oral Paste side effects

Horses suffering from particularly heavy threadworm infections typically experience swelling and itching. Should these, or similar reactions occur, it is most likely the due to large numbers of dying microfilariae. If these symptoms become especially troubling, treatments can be obtained from one's veterinarian. Summer sores that have resulted in extensive tissue damage may call for the use of additional medications. These can be used in conjunction with Equimax Wormer. However, no side effects should be prolonged or severe. Should side effects of excessive severity or duration occur, one should seek help for his or her animal as soon as possible.