Imidocarb dipropionate is one of the most important drugs in the veterinary field.
It is one of the carbanilide derivatives which have an antiprotozoal activity.
Let’s know more about it in this article which includes:
What's imidocarb Dipropionate?
Mechanism of action of imidocarb dipropionate.
Uses of imidocarb dipropionate.
Dosage of imizol in dogs, sheep, horses, and cattle.
How can imizol be administered?
precautions of using imidocarb dipropionate.
Side effects of imizol.
Withdrawal periods of imizol.
What's imidocarb Dipropionate?
Imidocarb dipropionate is an anti-infection agent effective against infection caused by an adult and immature stages of Babesia in cattle, sheep, horses, and dogs.
It can also be used against Anaplasma infections in cattle and Ehrlichia canis infections in dogs.
Its prolonged action can exert a prophylactic effect against Babesia infection for 6 weeks.
The trade names or brands of Imidocarb dipropionate are (Carbesia®, Carbésia®, Foray®, Imidox®, Imizol®).
Mechanism of action of imidocarb dipropionate:
The mechanism of action of imidocarb dipropionate is uncertain, but, two mechanisms have been proposed, including:
Its action against Trypanosoma brucei by the interference with the production and/or utilization of polyamines.
It also can act against Babesia ovis by preventing the entry of inositol into the erythrocyte containing the parasite.
Finally, the body eliminates the drug in urine and feces.
Uses of imidocarb dipropionate:
This drug is marketed for veterinary use only.
It is the most used against protozoa (single-celled organisms that sometimes cause disease).
It can mainly be used for the treatment of Hepatozoon infections, Babesia ovis, and Trypanosoma brucei.
Imizol is used for the Treatment and prevention of :
How can Imizol be administered?
Imizol can be administered through intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
For horses, it is preferred to be administered by intramuscular route.
Dosage of Imidocarb dipropionate
The recommended doses for each animal species include:
Dosage of Imidocarb dipropionate in cattle
The dosage in cattle usually differs according to the disease, including:
In case of Babesiosis infection only, the recommended dose is 1 ml imizol per 100 kg body weight.
For Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, administer 2.5 ml per 100 kg body weight.
For prevention, the single-dose including 2.5 ml/ 100 kg body weight will prevent Babesiosis for up to 4 weeks.
Dosage of imizol in sheep
It's recommended to give 0.5 ml per 50 kg body weight.
For prevention, 1 ml per 50 kg bodyweight.
Dosage of Imidocarb dipropionate in horse
A single intramuscular injection of 2 ml per 100 kg body weight is recommended.
In the case of the treatment of Babesia equi infections, it may require 2 doses with an interval of 24 hours.
For prevention, it's recommended to give 2 ml per 100 kg body weight.
Dosage of imizol in dogs
In a single infection, 0.25 ml imizol per 10 kg body weight is recommended.
For treating mixed infections due to Ehrlichia and Babesia, administer 0.5 ml per 10 kg bodyweight, 2 doses at an interval of 14 days.
For prevention, give 0.5 ml per 10 kg body weight.
precautions of using imidocarb dipropionate:
Administration of this drug should be avoided for:
Human use, as It's for veterinary use only.
Intravenous injection.
Young puppies and dogs with impaired liver, kidney, or lung function.
pregnant animals.
lactating animals especially with milk for human consumption.
animals treated with cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals.
Extremely weak animals.
Side effects of imizol:
Adverse effects commonly seen are
Pain during the injection.
Mild inflammation or ulceration in injection sites lasting one to several days.case
Hepatic necrosis or acute renal tubular necrosis.
Mild cholinergic signs such as salivation, nasal drip, or brief episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, lethargy, periorbital swelling.
These effects can be reversed by using Atropine sulfate in severe cases.
Withdrawal periods of imizol
The withdrawal time of imizol is necessary to ensure the milk and meat from treated animals for human consumption is free from any drug residues.
Milk : 3 days withdrawal.
Meat: 28 days withdrawal.
Storage condition of Imidocarb dipropionate
Several conditions should be considered for Imizol storage, including:
Temperature between 2° – 25°C.
Protect from light.
Do not freeze it & keep it out of reach of children.
Finally, although Imidocarb dipropionate is the drug of choice for the treatment of babesiosis in cattle and is effective against protozoal infection in different animals, it is necessary to determine the right doses to avoid any side effects to this drug.