Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle
Monensin
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: continuous-release intraruminal device. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Monensin.1
In short: questions and answers
- Does Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle need a prescription?
- Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
- Which animals is Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle for?
- Cattle.1
- What is the active substance in Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle?
- Monensin. ATCvet code: QA16QA06.13
- What is the withdrawal period of Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle according to the leaflet?
- Cattle, meat: 0 days; Cattle, milk: 0 days.3
- Dispensing
- Prescription only1
POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12
Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.
- Animal species
- Cattle1
- Active substance
- Monensin
- ATCvet code
- QA16QA063
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Elanco GmbH
Withdrawal period
Summary of product characteristics
Composition
Active substance:
Monensin 32.4 g (equivalent to 35.2 g monensin sodium)
Each intraruminal device contains 12 subunits each containing 2.7 g monensin (equivalent to 2.9 g monensin sodium).
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
6.1 List of excipients
Subunit
Sucrose fatty acid ester
Carbomer
Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
Device
Polypropylene* orifice cap.
Polypropylene* plunger.
Polypropylene* barrel and wing.
Steel spring.
*The polypropylene components are coloured with sunset yellow E110
Pharmaceutical form
Continuous-release intraruminal device.
A cylindrical orange polypropylene intraruminal device uniquely identified with a number and the word “MONENSIN”, fitted with wings, consisting of a core which presents as a stack of 12 subunits.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other alimentary tract and metabolism products: drugs for prevention and/or treatment of acetonemia. ATC vet code: QA16QA06
Monensin is a member of the pharmacotherapeutic group of polyether ionophores, specifically the carboxylic subgroup. They are the product of natural fermentation products produced by Streptomyces cinnamonensis.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Monensin binds to bacterial cell membranes and interferes with the maintenance of important ion gradients in the cell which are needed for the transport of nutrients and to generate proton-motive force. Monensin is mainly active against Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria have complex outer cell membranes, resulting in inherent resistance to the action of ionophores. Thus, the ultimate effect of monensin within the rumen is to shift the microbial population resulting in a decrease of the bacteria that produce acetate and butyrate and increasing the bacteria that produce propionate, the gluconeogenic precursor. As a result of the change in population of bacteria within the rumen, efficiency of energy metabolism is improved. In the peri-parturient dairy cow, the positive effects of monensin include reduced blood ketones, increased serum glucose and reduced incidence of ketosis.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars
The site of action for intraruminal administered monensin is the gastrointestinal tract. Intraruminal administration of monensin is followed by extensive first pass metabolism which results in low concentrations of monensin in the systemic circulation. Metabolites and parent drug are excreted in the bile.
When the tablet-subunits inside the intraruminal device are in contact with rumen fluid at the orifice of the device, a gel is formed and is slowly released from the intraruminal device. Monensin is released from the intraruminal device at an approximate average dose of 335 mg/day.
Target species
Cattle (dairy cows and heifers)
Indications
For the reduction in the incidence of ketosis in the peri-parturient dairy cow/heifer which is expected to develop ketosis.
Dosage
Intraruminal use.
A single intraruminal device is to be administered to a dairy cow/heifer 3-4 weeks prior to expected calving, using an appropriate administration tool.
Kexxtone delivers an approximate average dose of 335 mg of monensin per day for approximately 95 days.
Follow instructions carefully.
Adequate animal restraint is required to properly administer this intraruminal device. Such restraint must limit forward/backward motion and allow the animal’s head to be held in the forward extended position and without pressure on the neck to prevent choking.
1. Each intraruminal device has an individual number along the device body. This should be recorded with the corresponding animal identification number so that, should an intraruminal device be regurgitated, the animal can be identified.
2. Fold wings down along the intraruminal device body and insert the device into an appropriate administration tool, orifice end first.
3. Restrain the animal with its head and neck stretched forward. Grasp the animal with one hand in the corner of the animal’s mouth. Introduce the administration tool into the mouth avoiding the front teeth. In order to avoid trauma and damage to the pharynx and oesophagus, do not use excessive force.
4. Insert the administration tool past the base of the tongue making sure to avoid the molar teeth. As the animal swallows, the administration tool will move easily over the base of the tongue. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE. If resistance is encountered, withdraw the tool slightly and repeat the procedure.
5. Be sure the head of the administration tool is past the base of the tongue. When the animal swallows, eject the intraruminal device from the administration tool.
Contraindications
Do not use in animals weighing less than 300 kg bodyweight.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Adverse reactions
In rare cases, digestive signs (e.g. diarrhoea, ruminant stomach disorder) have been observed.
In very rare cases, oesophagus obstruction has been observed.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Warnings
Special precautions for use in animals
Hold treated cattle in a confined area for 1 hour after administration to observe for failure to swallow or regurgitation. If this occurs re-administer the intraruminal device if undamaged. If damaged, administer a new intraruminal device. Recheck cattle for up to 4 days after dosing to observe for signs of an intraruminal device lodging in the oesophagus.
Signs of lodging may include bloat which may be followed by coughing, drooling, inappetence and unthriftiness.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Exposure to the active substance may elicit an allergic response in susceptible individuals. People with known hypersensitivity to monensin or any of the excipients should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling the veterinary medicinal product.
Use gloves when handling an intraruminal device, including during retrieval of a regurgitated intraruminal device.
Remove gloves and wash hands and exposed skin after handling intraruminal devices.
Other precautions
Ingestion or oral exposure to monensin can be fatal in dogs, horses, other equines or guinea fowl. Do not allow dogs, horses, other equines or guinea fowl access to veterinary medicinal products containing monensin.
Due to the risk of bolus regurgitation, do not allow these species access to areas where treated cattle have been kept.
Keep dogs away from treated animals. Accidental ingestion of active ingredient by dogs has resulted in fatal consequences. In case of suspected ingestion by dogs, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
None known.
Overdose
Accidental administration of more than one intraruminal device could result in some adverse reactions which are typical of monensin overdose, including decreased appetite, scouring and lethargy. These are generally transient. The highest tolerated dose is typically between 1 mg and 2 mg monensin/kg bodyweight/day.
Special warnings
Identification of animals for treatment should be at veterinary discretion. Risk factors may include a history of energy-deficiency-related diseases, high body condition score and parity.
In the event of early regurgitation, identify the animal by matching the animal ID number with the number on the intraruminal device and re-administer an undamaged intraruminal device (See section 4.5).
Withdrawal period
Meat and offal: zero days
Milk: zero days
Incompatibilities
Not applicable
Immediate packaging
Aluminium foil bag containing 1, 3 or 5 intraruminal device(s).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
Keep the foil tightly closed.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years
Shelf life after first opening the immediate packaging: 6 months
Disposal of unused product
Any unused veterinary medicinal product, waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products or regurgitated intraruminal devices should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Additional information
Vm 52127/5032
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
28 January 2013
10. PID LINK (Do not print heading)
[The following statement must be included where reference to the European Union Product Database is included on the product information. This statement is relevant to both UK(GB) and UK(NI) products:]
Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.
Approved 18 May 2024
Registration holder
Elanco GmbH
Heinz-Lohmann Strasse 4
Groden
D-27472 Cuxhaven
Germany
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle, 52127/5032
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Kexxtone 32.4g Continuous-Release Intraruminal Device for Cattle