Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
Metronidazole, Spiramycin
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: chewable tablet. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Metronidazole, Spiramycin.1
In short: questions and answers
- Does Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs need a prescription?
- Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
- Which animals is Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs for?
- Dogs.1
- What is the active substance in Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs?
- Metronidazole, Spiramycin. ATCvet code: QJ01RA04.13
- What is the withdrawal period of Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs according to the leaflet?
- No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.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
- Dogs1
- Active substance
- Metronidazole, Spiramycin
- ATCvet code
- QJ01RA043
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Le Vet Beheer B.V.
Withdrawal period
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Summary of product characteristics
Composition
Each tablet contains:
Active substances:
Spiramycin 3,000,000 IU
Metronidazole 500 mg
Excipients:
Qualitative composition of excipients and other constituents
Starch, pregelatinised
Cellulose, microcrystalline
Lactose monohydrate
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Yeast (dried)
Chicken flavour
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
Magnesium stearate
Light brown with brown spots, round and convex chewable tablet with a cross-shaped break line on one side.
Tablets can be divided into 2 or 4 equal parts.
Pharmacological properties
4.1 ATCvet code: QJ01RA04
4.2 Pharmacodynamics
Spiramycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide group. It acts markedly bacteriostatic by inhibition of protein synthesis (interfering with the translation reaction on the ribosome). Its spectrum of activity includes mainly Gram-positive bacteria. Three different mechanisms account for most bacterial resistance to the action of macrolides: (1) rRNA methylation; (2) active efflux; and (3) enzymatic inactivation. The first two mechanisms are the most frequent ones and genes coding for these mechanisms are often located on mobile elements. rRNA methylation, encoded by erythromycin-resistant methylase (erm) genes, results in cross-resistance to the macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B (MLSB resistance).
Metronidazole is an imidazole derivative and acts against representatives of protozoa (flagellates and amoeba) and against Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes.
The combination spiramycin and metronidazole broadens the spectrum due to the complementary antibacterial pattern of the two drugs. Synergistic effects have been demonstrated in some pathogens in in vitro studies and in experimental infections of laboratory animals.
4.3 Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, peak plasma levels of spiramycin-I (main component of spiramycin) of 4.4 µg/ml are obtained within 1.3 hours. Spiramycin rapidly reaches high tissue levels that are 10-15 times higher than in plasma. The concentrations in the mucous membranes and saliva are particularly high. After a single oral dose of spiramycin concentrations remain present for about 30-40 hours.
Spiramycin is eliminated in the dog via the bile. The terminal half-life is about 8.6 hours.
After oral administration, peak plasma levels of metronidazole of 18 µg/ml are obtained within 1.4 hours. After oral ingestion metronidazole diffuses rapidly and completely in all body tissues. After 24 hours blood levels > 0.5 µg/ml are still detectable in most dogs. Excretion is via the urine. The terminal half-life is about 5.3 hours.
Target species
Dogs.
Indications
For the adjunct treatment of mechanical or surgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of multi-bacterial infections of periodontal and related (peri)oral conditions e.g. stomatitis, gingivitis, glossitis, periodontitis, tonsillitis, dental fistula and other fistulous wounds in the oral cavity, cheilitis and sinusitis – in dogs caused by microorganisms susceptible to spiramycin / metronidazole, such as Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes (see also section 3.4 and 3.5).
Dosage
Oral use.
75 000 IU spiramycin + 12.5 mg metronidazole per kg body weight, in more severe cases 100 000 IU spiramycin + 16.7 mg metronidazole per kg body weight, administered daily for 6 - 10 days depending on the severity of the disease.
In severe cases one can start with the higher dose and go back in the course of treatment on to the lower dose.
The daily dose may be given once daily or divided equally for twice daily administration. The treatment should always be continued for 1-2 days after resolution of symptoms in order to prevent relapses. The tablets are to be administered either deep in the mouth (on the base of the tongue) or given with a small amount of food containing the tablet, to ensure all the tablet is consumed.
To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible. The following table is intended as a guide to dispensing the veterinary medicinal product at approximately the standard dose rate of 75 000 IU spiramycin + 12.5 mg metronidazole per kg body weight.
| Body weight | Spizobactin 750,000 IU / 125 mg for dogs | Spizobactin 1,500,000 IU / 250 mg for dogs | Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg for dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kg | ¼ tablet | ||
| 5.0 kg | ½ tablet | ¼ tablet | |
| 7.5 kg | ¾ tablet | ||
| 10 kg | 1 tablet | ½ tablet | ¼ tablet |
| 12.5 kg | 1 and ¼ tablets | ||
| 15 kg | 1 and ½ tablets | ¾ tablet | |
| 17.5 kg | 1 and ¾ tablets | ||
| 20 kg | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | ½ tablet |
| 25 kg | 1 and ¼ tablets | ||
| 30 kg | 1 and ½ tablets | ¾ tablet | |
| 35 kg | 1 and ¾ tablets | ||
| 40 kg | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | |
| 50 kg | 1 and ¼ tablets | ||
| 60 kg | 1 and ½ tablets | ||
| 70 kg | 1 and ¾ tablets | ||
| 80 kg | 2 tablets |
In the SPC the tablet quantities are pictograms (¼ Tablet, ½ Tablet, ¾ Tablet, 1 Tablet); here they are written as numbers of tablets.
Tablets can be divided into 2 or 4 equal parts to ensure accurate dosing. Place the tablet on a flat surface, with its scored side facing up and the convex (rounded) side facing the surface.
Halves: press down with your thumbs on both sides of the tablet.
Quarters: press down with your thumb in the middle of the tablet
s2
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hepatic disorders.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
Adverse reactions
Dogs:
Rare (1 to 10 animals / 10 000 animals treated):
Vomiting
Hypersensitivityᵃ
Very rare (<1 animal / 10 000 animals treated, including isolated reports):
Haematuria
Male reproductive tract disorderᵇ
ᵃ In cases of hypersensitivity reactions, treatment should be stopped.
ᵇ Spermatogenesis disorder
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Warnings
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
The combination of spiramycin and metronidazole should not be used as first-line empirical treatment.
Whenever possible, metronidazole and spiramycin should only be used based on susceptibility testing of the pathogens.
Use of the product should be in accordance with official, national and regional antimicrobial policies.
Limiting the duration of treatment is necessary because damage to the germ cells cannot be excluded with the use of metronidazole, and because in long-term studies with high doses, an increase of certain tumours was seen in rodents. The chewable tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of the animals.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:
Metronidazole has confirmed mutagenic and genotoxic properties in laboratory animals as well as in humans. Metronidazole is a confirmed carcinogen in laboratory animals and has possible carcinogenic effects in humans. However, there is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of metronidazole.
Metronidazole may be harmful for the unborn child. Pregnant women should be careful when handling this veterinary medicinal product.
Spiramycin and metronidazole may in rare cases induce hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. contact dermatitis.
Direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of the user should be avoided because of the risk of sensitization. People with known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product. Personal protective equipment consisting of impervious gloves should be worn when handling the veterinary medicinal product to avoid skin contact and hand-to-mouth contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Metronidazole may cause adverse (neurological) effects if ingested by a child. To avoid accidental ingestion, particularly by a child, unused part-tablets should be returned to the open blister space and inserted back into the carton.
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling the tablets.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance
Not applicable.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy and lactation:
Spiramycin has not been found to be teratogenic or embryo- or foetotoxic. Studies in laboratory animals have shown inconsistent results with regard to teratogenic/embryotoxic effects of metronidazole. Metronidazole and spiramycin are excreted in milk.
The use is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
Do not use concomitantly with bactericidal antibiotics.
Macrolides, such as e.g. spiramycin act antagonistic to penicillins and cephalosporins. The veterinary medicinal product should not be used concurrently with other antibiotics of the macrolide group.
Metronidazole may have an inhibitory effect on the degradation of other drugs in the liver, such as phenytoin, cyclosporine and warfarin.
Phenobarbital may increase hepatic metabolism of metronidazole resulting in decreased serum concentration of metronidazole.
Overdose
If neurological signs occur, treatment should be discontinued, and the patient should be treated symptomatically.
Special warnings
In many cases of endodontic/periodontal disease the primary treatment is non-medicinal and does not require antimicrobial medication.
Antimicrobial treatment of periodontal disease should be accompanied or preceded by endodontic therapy and/or professional dental cleaning especially if the disease is advanced. Dog owners are encouraged to routinely brush their dog's teeth to remove plaque to prevent or to control periodontal disease.
Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
Immediate packaging
Aluminium - PVC/PE/PVDC blister
Pack sizes:
Cardboard box of 1, 2, 3 or 10 blisters of 10 tablets.
Cardboard box containing 10 separate cardboard boxes, each containing 1 blister of 10 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
Do not store above 30 °C.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 18 months. Shelf life of divided tablets: 3 days.
Disposal of unused product
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater.
Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.
Additional information
Vm 41821/4049
8 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
12 September 2017
9 DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE SUMMARY OF THE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
August 2025
10 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription.
Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.
Registration holder
Le Vet Beheer B.V.
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs, 41821/4049
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Spizobactin 3,000,000 IU / 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
Other products with the same active substance
- Spizobactin 1,500,000 IU / 250 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
- Spizobactin 750,000 IU / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
- Stomorgyl 10 Film-coated Tablets
- Stomorgyl 2 Film-coated Tablets
- Stomorgyl 20 Film-coated Tablets
All products with this active substance (6)
The same active substance in other countries
Spain
- SPIZOBACTIN 3.000.000 UI / 500 mg COMPRIMIDOS MASTICABLES PARA PERROS
- SPIZOBACTIN 750.000 UI / 125 mg COMPRIMIDOS MASTICABLES PARA PERROS
- STOMORGYL 10 kg 750.000 UI / 125 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS
- STOMORGYL 2 kg 150.000 UI / 25 mg COMPRIMIDOS RECUBIERTOS
All products with this active substance (4)
Poland
- Spizobactin vet 1 500 000 IU/250 mg tabletki do rozgryzania i żucia dla psów
- Spizobactin vet 750 000 IU/125 mg tabletki do rozgryzania i żucia dla psów
- Stomorgyl 20, 1500000 j.m. + 250 mg, tabletki powlekane dla psów
All products with this active substance (3)