Oxfendazole

Efficacy

Both oxfendazole and fenbendazole are efficacious against gastrointestinal lungworms and roundworms of livestock, adults, and L4-larvae of the significant species for example, of the genera Bunostomum, Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Oesophagostomum, Nematodirus, Teladorsagia, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus, Dictyocaulus, Trichuris, etc., including against arrested larvae of some of the species. They are even highly efficient against majority of the tapeworms commonly found in livestock. This drug works effectively against the main parasitic roundworms and tapeworms of dogs and cats.

The drug offers a small residual effect in ruminants unless and otherwise it is delivered by using a slow-release device. This essentially means that on a single administration, it will help in killing the parasites that are present in the host during the time of treatment and also prevent against reinfestations for some more days, but not weeks or months. The residual effect is comparatively shorter in nonruminants. The drug is not effective against flukes and external parasites at therapeutic doses.

Adverse effects

Since the toxicity of oxfendazole is quite low, it is generally well tolerated by most species. High oral doses can cause intoxication, though, resulting in loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, hepatic and epicardial hemorrhage, allergic reactions, etc. Due to lack of research, use of oxfendazole in pregnant mares and bitches is not recommended, nor are oxfendazole tablets to treat dogs or cats. A registered veterinarian must authorize the use of oxfendazole in any species.

Brand names

Oxfendazole is sold under brand names of Synanthic (suspension), Benzelmin (paste), and Anthelcide EQ (paste).

References

References

1. "Oxfendazole".
2. (January 2019). "Oxfendazole: a promising agent for the treatment and control of helminth infections in humans". Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy.
3. (2025). "NanoDSF Screening for Anti-tubulin Agents Uncovers New Structure–Activity Insights". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
4. (October 1978). "An evaluation of the efficacy of oxfendazole against the common nematode parasites of the horse". The Veterinary Record.
5. (February 2022). "Effects of Ferula asafetida, closantel, albendazole, oxfendazole, and ivermectin against Haemonchus contortus in goats and sheep". Tropical Animal Health and Production.
6. (December 1997). "Comparative efficacy of ivermectin pour-on, albendazole, oxfendazole and fenbendazole against Ostertagia ostertagi inhibited larvae, other gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworm of cattle". Veterinary Parasitology.
7. (October 1976). "Evaluation of oxfendazole against natural infections of gastro-intestinal nematodes and lung-worms in calves". The Veterinary Record.
8. (July 2023). "Evaluation of a refugia-based strategy for gastrointestinal nematodes on weight gain and fecal egg counts in naturally infected stocker calves administered combination anthelmintics". Veterinary Parasitology.
9. (September 2021). "Monitoring equine ascarid and cyathostomin parasites: Evaluating health parameters under different treatment regimens". Equine Veterinary Journal.
10. (October 2020). "TSOL18 vaccine and oxfendazole for control of Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs: A field trial in endemic areas of Tanzania". PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
11. (May 1979). "The effect of oxfendazole on Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena infections in dogs". Research in Veterinary Science.
12. (August 1992). "[Biology, pathogenicity, diagnosis and control of Ancylostoma caninum]". DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift.
13. "OXFENDAZOLE TOXICITY, POISONING, INTOXICATION, OVERDOSE, ANTIDOTE: SAFETY SUMMARY for VETERINARY use on DOGS, CATS, CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, SWINE, HORSES and POULTRY".
14. "Synanthic® (oxfendazole oral suspension) Bovine Dewormer Suspension, 22.5%".
15. "BENZELMIN WORMER Paste for HORSES - JUROX - oxfendazole, benzimidazole".