Levacide Injection 7.5% for Cattle and Sheep – 500 ml

Levacide Injection 7.5% is a broad-spectrum injectable wormer containing levamisole 75 mg/ml (as levamisole hydrochloride), used for the treatment and control of gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms in cattle and sheep.

Levacide is effective against mature and developing immature stages of susceptible worms, helping control parasitic gastro-enteritis and lungworm disease.

Effective worm control is important for protecting livestock health and helping reduce the effects of parasite infections on growth, condition and overall farm performance.

Product Information

Withdrawal Periods

Important: Levacide Injection is not authorised for use in cattle or sheep producing milk for human consumption. Always observe the 14-day meat and offal withdrawal period.

Levacide Dosage for Cattle

Recommended Dose: 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight, equivalent to 7.5 mg levamisole hydrochloride per kg bodyweight.

Administer by subcutaneous injection using properly calibrated dosing equipment. Determine bodyweight as accurately as possible before treatment.

Cattle - Dose and Bottle Coverage

Levacide Dosage for Sheep

Recommended Dose: 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight, equivalent to 7.5 mg levamisole hydrochloride per kg bodyweight.

Administer by subcutaneous injection using properly calibrated dosing equipment. Animals should be weighed accurately to avoid underdosing or overdosing.

Sheep - Dose and Bottle Coverage

Bottle Coverage: Figures show the number of complete doses available from a 500 ml vial, rounded down and assuming no product wastage. Actual usable doses may vary. Always calculate the correct dose according to the animal's bodyweight and the current product label.

What Does Levacide Injection Treat?

• Gastrointestinal Roundworms: Treats susceptible mature and developing immature gastrointestinal worms responsible for parasitic gastro-enteritis in cattle and sheep.
• Lungworms: Treats susceptible adult and larval stages of Dictyocaulus species, which can cause lungworm disease.

Levacide is indicated against susceptible species including Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Ostertagia, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Bunostomum, Oesophagostomum and Chabertia.

Important: Levacide is not effective against inhibited Ostertagia larvae in cattle. It is not indicated in the supplied SPC for liver fluke or tapeworm treatment.

Key Features of Levacide Injection

• For Cattle and Sheep: Licensed for use in both species at the recommended dosage.
• Broad-Spectrum Worm Control: Treats susceptible gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms.
• Adult and Immature Worms: Effective against mature and developing immature stages of susceptible parasites.
• Levamisole-Based Formula: Contains 75 mg/ml levamisole (as levamisole hydrochloride).
• Subcutaneous Injection: Administered beneath the skin using suitable injection equipment.
• Simple Dosage Rate: 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight for both cattle and sheep.
• Supports Livestock Health: Effective worm control can help reduce the effects of parasite infections on animal condition and performance.

Understanding Gut Worms and Lungworms in Cattle and Sheep

Gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms are important parasites affecting grazing cattle and sheep in Ireland.

Worm infections can affect livestock health, growth and performance, particularly where animals are exposed to contaminated pasture.

Signs of Gastrointestinal Worm Infection

• Diarrhoea: Some gastrointestinal worm infections can cause loose dung or scouring.
• Reduced Appetite: Infected animals may eat less than normal.
• Poor Weight Gain: Worm burdens can reduce growth rates and affect animal condition.
• Reduced Performance: Heavy parasite burdens can affect livestock productivity.

Signs of Lungworm Infection

• Coughing: A persistent cough, sometimes becoming more noticeable during exercise.
• Breathing Difficulties: Heavily infected animals may show increased breathing effort.
• Reduced Condition: Lungworm disease can affect appetite, growth and overall health.
• Respiratory Complications: Severe infections can contribute to significant respiratory disease.

Why Is Worm Control Important?

• Animal Health: Controlling susceptible parasites helps protect cattle and sheep from worm-related disease.
• Growth and Performance: Managing worm burdens can help reduce production losses.
• Grazing Management: Monitoring parasite risk can help farmers make informed treatment decisions.
• Resistance Management: Using appropriate treatments at the correct dose helps reduce the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

Worm control programmes should be based on veterinary advice, parasite risk and appropriate monitoring rather than repeated routine treatment alone.

Administration and Precautions

• Subcutaneous Injection Only: Administer beneath the skin using suitable injection equipment.
• Cattle Dosage: 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight.
• Sheep Dosage: 1 ml per 10 kg bodyweight.
• Determine bodyweight as accurately as possible before treatment.
• Use properly calibrated dosing equipment.
• When treating groups, group animals by bodyweight and dose accordingly to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
• Vial Handling: Do not exceed one broach per vial. Use of a draw-off needle is recommended.
• Do not use in animals with known hypersensitivity to levamisole or any excipients.
• Avoid treatment with organophosphorus compounds or diethylcarbamazine citrate within 14 days before or after Levacide administration.
• Pregnancy: Can be used during pregnancy, but avoid unnecessary stress when handling heavily pregnant animals.
• Lactation: Can be used during lactation, but not in animals producing milk for human consumption.
• Very rare injection-site reactions may occur and normally resolve naturally.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling the product. Wash hands and exposed skin after use.
• Levamisole can cause serious reactions in a small number of people. Seek immediate medical advice if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, sore throat or fever occur following exposure.
• Observe the 14-day meat and offal withdrawal period.
• Seek veterinary advice on appropriate dosing programmes and parasite resistance management.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Shelf Life: 2 years unopened.
• After Opening: Use immediately after first opening.
• Storage Temperature: Do not store above 25°C.
• Storage Conditions: Store upright in the original packaging and protect from light.
• Product Form: Clear yellow injectable solution.
• Pack Size: 1 x 500 ml glass vial.
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Limited.
• Irish Marketing Authorisation: VPA 22664/025/001.

Important: Levacide Injection 7.5% is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM). Always read the current product label and datasheet before administering. Follow the correct dosage and observe all withdrawal periods and milk-use restrictions.