Diclazuril/Levamisole HCl Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Diclazuril/Levamisole HCl is a compounded formulation containing Diclazuril, Levamisole HCl, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
This compounded formulation combines diclazuril, an antiprotozoal, with levamisole, an immunomodulator — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
At a pharmacological level, diclazuril acts by disrupting the metabolic pathways of protozoal organisms, specifically targeting the apicoplast organelle essential for their survival and replication. Levamisole HCl functions as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, causing spastic paralysis in susceptible nematodes. Beyond its anthelmintic properties, levamisole is studied for its ability to support immune health by modulating T-cell function and enhancing the phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils. This dual activity is particularly relevant in the context of neurological health management where supporting the host's natural defenses is often considered alongside direct antiparasitic action. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate application of this combination based on your horse's weight, neurological status and diagnostic findings.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Commonly observed effects of diclazuril/levamisole HCl administration include mild gastrointestinal changes such as loose stools or a temporary decrease in appetite. Some horses may exhibit transient behavioral shifts or a localized skin reaction shortly after administration. Because this medication targets internal parasites, owners may observe a temporary exacerbation of neurological signs as the body responds to the targeted protozoal life stages. If you observe significant stumbling, persistent diarrhea or signs of physical distress, contact your veterinarian promptly.
This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in debilitated animals or those with significant kidney or liver impairment. It is also carefully evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, as the safety profile for developing foals is a point of professional consideration. Before starting a protocol involving diclazuril/levamisole HCl, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other supplements and prescriptions your horse is receiving, as levamisole can interact with other compounds that affect the nervous system. Your veterinarian is the right person to design a comprehensive monitoring plan and provide guidance on the necessary duration of therapy to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your horse's individual health status.
Yes. Diclazuril/levamisole HCl is a combination of prescription medications and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your stable.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding this combination into specialized concentrations and flavored dosage forms—such as oral pastes or powders—when a veterinarian determines that a customized preparation better suits an individual patient's clinical needs. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians may consider combining these ingredients so the preparation can act through more than one mechanism at once — here, it focuses on antiprotozoal action. Your veterinarian determines whether this multi-targeted approach is appropriate for your pet.
Owners should monitor for mild digestive changes, such as loose manure or a change in eating habits, as well as any shifts in coordination or energy levels. It is important to report any persistent gastrointestinal upset or unexpected behavioral changes to your veterinarian to ensure the management plan remains appropriate.
