Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml

Ivermectin

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: pour-on solution. Distribution category: POM-VPS (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Ivermectin.1

In short: questions and answers

Does Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml need a prescription?
Status not established. Neither the leaflet nor the law settles how this drug is dispensed, and we do not guess.
Which animals is Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml for?
Cattle.1
What is the active substance in Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml?
Ivermectin. ATCvet code: QP54AA01.13
What is the withdrawal period of Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml according to the leaflet?
Cattle, meat: 28 days.3
Dispensing
Status not established

POM-VPS: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person. Prescription only, but the prescription may come from a veterinary surgeon, a pharmacist or a suitably qualified person (SQP, a registered animal-medicine adviser), and they may supply it.12

Animal species
Cattle1
Active substance
Ivermectin
ATCvet code
QP54AA013
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: Virbac

Withdrawal period

Animal speciesProductdays
Cattlemeat283
Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Active substance:

Ivermectin ........................................................ 5 mg/ml

Excipient(s):

For full list see section 6.1

6.1 List of excipients

Crodamol CAP or Cetearyl ethylhexanoate and isopropylmyristate

Triethanolamine

Isopropyl alcohol

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Pharmaceutical form

Pour-On solution

Non-aqueous colourless pale to yellow liquid.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Endectocide ATCvet code: QP 54AA01

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Ivermectin is a broad spectrum endectocide of the avermectin family. Ivermectin is isolated after purification and hydrogenation of the avermectin family compounds which are obtained from the fermentation of the soil organism Streptomyces avermitilis.

Ivermectin is a macrocyclic-lactone derivative which has a broad and potent antiparasitic activity against nematodes and arthropods. It acts by inhibiting nerve impulses. Ivermectin binds selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, resulting in paralysis and death of the relevant parasites. Compounds of this class may also interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels, such as those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The margin of safety for compounds of this class is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels. The macrocyclic lactones have a low affinity for other mammalian ligand-gated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars

After administration of the recommended dosage to cattle varying inter-individual ivermectin plasma levels were observed with mean values of Cmax and tmax of 17 ng/ml and 170 h, respectively.

After topical administration of 0.5 mg ivermectin per kg bodyweight, liver and fat (the target tissues), generally had the highest residues. Excretion occurs mainly through faeces and, in lesser proportion, via urine.

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Target species

Cattle.

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Indications

VIRBAMEC Pour-On is indicated for the treatment of gastro-intestinal nematodes, lungworms, warbles, chorioptic and sarcoptic mange mites, sucking and biting lice of beef and non-lactating dairy cattle.

Gastro-intestinal roundworms (adults and 4th stage larvae):

Ostertagia ostertagi (L4, adults and inhibited stages)

Haemonchus placei (L4, adults)

Trichostrongylus axei (L4, adults)

Trichostrongylus colubriformis (L4, adults)

Cooperia spp. (adults)

Cooperia puntacta (adults)

Cooperia oncophora (adults)

Oesophagostomum radiatum (L4, adults)

Strongyloides papillosus (adults)

Trichuris spp. (adults)

Lungworms (adults and 4th stage larvae):

Dictyocaulus viviparus

Warbles (parasitic stages):

Hypoderma bovis

Hypoderma lineatum

Mites:

Sarcoptes scabiei var bovis

Chorioptes bovis

Lice:

Sucking lice

Linognathus vituli

Haematopinus eurysternus

Biting lice

Damalinia bovis

VIRBAMEC Pour-On, at the recommended use level of 500 mcg ivermectin per kg bodyweight, has a persistent activity on:

Dictyocaulus viviparus: for up to 28 days

Ostertagia spp: for up to 21 days

Oesophagostomum radiatum: for up to 21 days

Cooperia spp.: for up to 14 days

Trichostrongylus axei: for up to 14 days

VIRBAMEC Pour-On helps in the control of the mange mite Chorioptes bovis but complete elimination may not occur.

VIRBAMEC Pour-On has also a persistent activity on the horn Fly (Haematobia irritans) for 28 days, partial efficacy may last for up to 35 days post application.

Occasionally variable activity may be observed against Haemonchus placei (L4), Cooperia spp, Trichostrongylus axei and Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

To obtain optimal benefit of VIRBAMEC Pour-On, the product is recommended to be used as part of treatment programs, based on the epidemiology of the parasites in question.

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Dosage

Posology:

1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight (based on a recommended dosage level of 500 mcg ivermectin per kg bodyweight).

Administration:

Pour-on use.

To ensure administration of a correct dose, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible; accuracy of the dosing device should be checked.

The formulation should be applied along the mid-line of the back in a narrow strip between the withers and tailhead.

500 ml and 1L VIRBAMEC Pour-On bottles

Both are equipped with a Squeeze-Measure-Pour System.

Attach the metering cup firmly to the bottle.

Set the dose by turning the top section of the cup to align the correct bodyweight. When bodyweight is between markings, use the higher setting.

Hold the bottle upright and squeeze it to deliver a slight excess of the required dose as indicated by the calibration lines.

When the pressure is released, the dose automatically adjusts to the correct level. Tilt the bottle and dispense the solution.

Important- Keep upright when filling and during storage.

Close container when not in use and store in an upright position.

2.5 litre backpack and 5 litre backpack

These presentations are equipped with straps and a vented cap.

They should be used in conjunction with an appropriate dosing gun.

Connect the Pour-On applicator to the pack as follows:

• Attach the open end of the draw-off tubing to the Pour-On applicator.

• Attach draw-off tubing to the cap with the stem. Replace shipping cap with the cap that has the draw-off tubing. Tighten the draw-off cap.

• Gently prime the Pour-On applicator, checking for leaks.

Follow manufacturer’s directions for correct use and care of the equipment.

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Contraindications

Do not use in animals known to be hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the ingredients.

This product is for application to skin surface only, do not inject or give orally. Do not use in dairy cows, during lactation or the dry period, and in beef cows during the lactation period when milk is intended for human consumption. Do not use in pregnant dairy heifers within 60 days prior to calving.

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Adverse reactions

None known.

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Warnings

i. Special precautions for use in animals

Do not apply to areas of skin which have mange scabs or other lesions or to areas contaminated with mud or manure.

Cattle should not be treated when the hair or hide is wet. Rain falling on animals less than two hours after dosing may result in reduced efficacy. However, under such conditions efficacy of VIRBAMEC Pour-On against infections of Ostertagia ostertagi or Dictyocaulus viviparus in cattle may be maintained. The influence of extreme weather conditions on the long-term performance (persistent activity) of VIRBAMEC Pour-On is not known.

Avermectins may not be well tolerated in all non-target species. Cases of intolerance with fatal outcome are reported in dogs, especially Collies, Old English Sheepdogs and related breeds or crosses, and also in turtles/tortoises.

Frequent and repeated use may lead to the development of resistance.

The product is effective in all hypodermosis stages, however, it is very important to treat on time (at the end of warble fly season). The elimination of Hypoderma larvae may cause negative reactions on the host, when they are found in vital areas. Killing Hypoderma lineatum, if found in perioesophageal tissue, may cause salivation and tympanism. Killing Hypoderma bovis, if found in the vertebral canal, may cause unsteadiness or paralysis. Cattle should be treated before or after those stages of warble flies.

ii. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

VIRBAMEC Pour-On may be irritating to human skin and eyes and the user should be careful not to apply it to himself or other persons. Operators should wear nitrile rubber gloves, rubber boots and a waterproof coat when applying the product. Protective clothing should be washed after use.

If accidental skin contact occurs, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. If accidental eye exposure occurs, flush the eyes immediately with water and get medical attention.

Do not smoke or eat while handling the product.

Wash hands after use.

Use only in well ventilated areas or outdoors.

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Do not use in dairy cows during lactation or the dry period, and in beef cows during the lactation period when milk is intended for human consumption. Do not use in pregnant dairy heifers within 60 days prior to calving. See also point 4.11.

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Interactions

Do not combine treatment with vaccination against lungworm infection. If vaccination is intended, an interval of at least 28 days before or after the date of vaccination should be taken into account.

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Overdose

Studies have demonstrated a wide safety margin. No sign of toxicity appeared in trials up to 5 mg/kg (10 times the recommended dose rate). No antidote has been identified.

In case of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be given. The symptoms of overdose can be trembling, convulsions and coma.

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Special warnings

Care should be taken to avoid the following practices because they increase the risk of the development of resistance and could ultimately result in ineffective therapy:

• Too frequent and repeated use of anthelmintics from the same class, over an extended period of time.

• Underdosing, which may be due to underestimation of body weight, misadministration of the product, or lack of calibration of the dosing device (if any).

Suspected clinical cases of resistance to anthelmintics should be further investigated using appropriate tests (e.g. Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test). Where the results of the test(s) strongly suggest resistance to a particular anthelmintic, an anthelmintic belonging to another pharmacological class and having a different mode of action should be used.

Resistance to ivermectin (an avermectin) has been reported in Cooperia oncophora in cattle within the EU, in Teladorsagia in cattle in developed countries such as New Zealand and Haemonchus in cattle outside the EU. Therefore the use of this product should be based on local (regional, farm) epidemiological information about susceptibility of nematodes and recommendations on how to limit further selection for resistance to anthelmintics.

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Withdrawal period

Cattle:

Meat and offal: 28 days.

Not permitted for use in lactating cows producing milk for human consumption. Do not use in pregnant cows, which are intended to produce milk for human consumption, within 60 days of expected parturition.

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Incompatibilities

None known.

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Immediate packaging

VIRBAMEC Pour-On is available in either 500 ml and 1 litre packs with a squeeze-measure-pour system or a 2.5 litre or 5.0 litre backpack with a draw-off cap.

Size: 500 ml Container: Opaque high density polyethylene bottle.

Closure: Low density polyethylene seal fitted with a child resistant screw cap. Dosing device: separate measuring chamber, made of polyproylene, capable of delivering doses of 10 to 25 ml at 5 ml intervals.

Size: 1000 ml Container: Opaque high density polyethylene bottle.

Closure: Low density polyethylene seal fitted with a child resistant screw cap. Dosing device: separate measuring chamber, made of polyproylene, capable of delivering doses of 10 to 25 ml at 5 ml intervals

Size: 2.5 L Container: Opaque high density polyethylene pack.

Closure: Low density polyethylene seal fitted with a child resistant screw cap. Dosing device: made of polyproylene, to be used in conjunction with a dosing gun.

Size: 5.0 L Container: Opaque high density polyethylene pack.

Closure: Low density polyethylene seal fitted with a child resistant screw cap. Dosing device: made of polyproylene, to be used in conjunction with a dosing gun.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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Storage

Highly flammable - Do not smoke. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition.

Store the product in the original container and keep tightly closed. Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. The container should be stored in an upright position.

If stored at low temperatures below 0°C, VIRBAMEC Pour-On may appear cloudy. Allowing to warm at room temperature will restore the normal appearance without affecting efficacy.

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Shelf life

Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years. Shelf-life after first opening the immediate packaging: 6 months.

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Disposal of unused product

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements. Ivermectin is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO FISH AND AQUATIC LIFE. Treated animals should not have direct access to surface waters or ditches. Do not contaminate surface waters or ditches with the product or used container.

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Additional information

Vm 05653/5061

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

12 January 2001

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

June 2024

Approved 13 November 2024

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Registration holder

VIRBAC

1ère avenue 2065m LID

06516 Carros

France

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Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml, 05653/5061 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: Virbamec Pour-on Solution for Cattle 5 mg/ml UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

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