Ivermectin/Praziquantel Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Ivermectin/Praziquantel is a compounded formulation containing Ivermectin, Praziquantel, 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 ivermectin, a macrocyclic-lactone anthelmintic, with praziquantel, an anthelmintic (dewormer) — 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, the two active ingredients function through independent mechanisms to address parasitic colonization. Ivermectin acts by binding with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride channels found in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This binding leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, followed by paralysis and death of the parasite. Praziquantel acts specifically on the integument of flatworms, increasing the permeability of the parasite's cell membranes to calcium ions. This induces rapid contraction and vacuolization of the parasite's tegument, causing the tapeworms to detach from the intestinal wall. Your veterinarian will determine if this specific combination is appropriate based on your animal's weight, grazing history and the results of diagnostic testing.
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 ivermectin/praziquantel administration include mild gastrointestinal changes such as loose manure or a temporary decrease in appetite. In cases involving heavy parasitic burdens, owners may observe localized swelling or mild discomfort, which is often attributed to the physiological response to dying parasites rather than the medications themselves. If you observe significant physical distress, persistent diarrhea or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, contact your veterinarian promptly.
This medication is typically used with caution in young, debilitated or pregnant animals, as the safety profile can vary based on the specific species and health status. In some dog breeds with a specific genetic mutation (MDR1), ivermectin is associated with significant neurological sensitivity and your veterinarian will weigh this factor if discussing its use in small animals. Before starting a protocol involving ivermectin/praziquantel, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other supplements and prescriptions your animal is receiving. Always follow the professional guidance provided by your veterinarian regarding environmental management and the timing of follow-up examinations to ensure the management plan remains appropriate.
Yes. Ivermectin/praziquantel 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 prescriptions before any medication is prepared or sent to your home or stable.
Yes. While individual components may be available in various commercial forms, Mixlab can compound this specific combination into specialized formats—such as flavored oral pastes, liquids or powders—when your veterinarian determines a customized preparation is necessary. The decision between a commercial and compounded product rests with the prescribing veterinarian based on the patient's individual needs.
Veterinarians discuss this combination because ivermectin is typically spare of activity against tapeworms, while praziquantel specifically targets them. By using both together, your veterinarian can address common roundworms, bots and tapeworms simultaneously as part of a multimodal management approach.
Owners should monitor for mild digestive shifts, such as changes in manure consistency or appetite and observe the animal for any signs of physical discomfort or skin reactions. It is important to report any behavior that deviates from your horse's normal routine to your veterinarian during the management period.
