Animec

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Animec

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Animec

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Ivermectin (INN)
Form Oral Solution (Drench), Oral Paste, Solution for Injection
Pharmacological class Anthelmintic, Macrocyclic Lactone (Avermectin)
Target Species Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Pigs
Manufacturer Chanelle Pharma (Ireland)

The Identity and Composition of Animec

Animec is a veterinary pharmaceutical manufactured by Chanelle Pharma, specializing as an Endectocide used for the management of parasitic infections in livestock including cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs. Its effectiveness is derived from its active ingredient, Ivermectin, which is considered an archetype for endectocidal agents due to its established safety profile and broad activity.

Ivermectin is a semi-synthetic derivative that originates from the fermentation products of the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. This compound is a mixture of two homologous components, B1a and B1b, and is prepared in several Dosage form(s) to suit different administration routes. Animec is specifically marketed for use as an Oral Paste for horses and a Solution for Injection for cattle, sheep, and pigs, which allows for precise and rapid delivery of the agent to the animal.

Pharmacological Class and General Purpose

Animec belongs to the Macrocyclic Lactone class of endectocides, a group recognized for the ability to achieve high levels of targeted paralysis in parasitic organisms. This mechanism involves binding to unique chloride channels in the parasites, leading to their subsequent elimination. This targeted action provides reliable, broad-spectrum control over parasitic burdens, offering a substantial benefit in maintaining animal health and productivity. The product is also available in a specific combination form, Animec Super, which includes the active ingredient Clorsulon, differentiating it from the standard single-active Ivermectin formulations.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List (EML)
  2. EMA Ivermectin veterinary referral procedures
  3. EMA Ivermectin veterinary referral procedure

What side effects are possible with Animec?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Official regulatory documents classify the adverse reactions associated with Ivermectin, the active ingredient in Animec, based on system-organ class and frequency of occurrence. These statements define the safety characteristics of the medicine.

Adverse Reaction Classification

Classification Scope Details
Frequency Classes Officially documented effects are classified as Common (e.g., transient injection site discomfort), Uncommon (e.g., tremor, pruritus), and Rare (e.g., severe neurotoxicity, transient blindness in cattle).
System-Organ Classes Adverse reactions are noted to affect the Nervous System, Immune System, and the General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions systems, consistent with regulatory tabular presentations.
Serious Adverse Reactions Documented serious outcomes include anaphylactic reactions and severe neurotoxicity (ataxia, stupor, or death), particularly associated with high-dose exposure or specific susceptible populations.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The safety profile includes specific constraints regarding certain populations. Products carry explicit regulatory warnings concerning Collie-type dogs and related breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation due to the high risk of potentially fatal neurotoxicity. Furthermore, regulatory agencies impose mandatory milk and meat withdrawal periods for food-producing animals to prevent the entry of drug residues into the human food chain. Certain effects, such as transient blindness, are documented as a rare, dose-related reaction specific to cattle.

Safety Patterns and Constraints

Many administration site reactions are officially described as transient and expected to resolve spontaneously after injection. The regulatory classification of these safety characteristics sets the formal limitations on the product's use, focusing strictly on preventing documented high-risk outcomes.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help: Official Regulatory Profile

This information is based exclusively on the official overdose and toxicity documentation for Ivermectin, as detailed in government regulatory sources, including the FDA, CDC, and VMD.

Overdose Domain Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Clinical Signs Manifestations may include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), central nervous system (CNS) effects such as confusion, dizziness, somnolence, and loss of coordination, as well as low blood pressure (hypotension) and fast heart rate (tachycardia).
Severe Outcomes Overdoses are officially associated with the risk of severe CNS depression, which may lead to seizures, coma, and death.
Antidote and Management No specific antidote has been identified. Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive, including the potential use of activated charcoal to prevent absorption, and treatment of hypotension with IV fluids.
Emergency Actions Required Individuals experiencing symptoms after exposure to Ivermectin must immediately seek medical treatment or contact the Poison Control Center for advice. In case of accidental self-injection with the veterinary solution, the user must seek immediate medical advice and present the label to the physician.
Population-Specific Note The product is explicitly contraindicated in and potentially fatal to certain non-target animal species, including certain dog breeds (e.g., Collies) and turtles/tortoises.

Overdose data is structured by outlining the documented symptoms and the critical risk of severe CNS depression, which mandates immediate help-seeking actions in symptomatic individuals. Due to the lack of an identified antidote, regulatory guidance focuses on supportive measures and observation for life-threatening complications, exclusively as prescribed in government-approved labeling.

Therapeutic Uses of Animec

Quick Facts

  • Targeted Use: Management of specific parasitic infections.
  • Therapeutic Domains: Conditions caused by certain gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, and external parasites.
  • Active Agent: Ivermectin, an antiparasitic compound.

Animec is a commercially available medication formulated for the management of internal and external parasitic infestations in animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses. Its therapeutic application is focused on reducing the burden of nematodes (roundworms) and certain arthropods (mites, lice, and bots).

In cattle, use of this product is indicated for the control and treatment of certain gastro-intestinal roundworms, lungworms, eyeworms, and specific mites and lice. The injection and pour-on solutions are established components of a parasite control strategy.

For horses, the oral paste formulation is utilized to treat infections caused by various internal parasites, including large and small strongyles, pinworms, neck threadworms, and stomach bots. The product's intended action is to provide a reduction in the number of these parasites, which contributes to the health and well-being of the animal.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Animec?

The eligibility for Animec (Ivermectin) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on species, physiological state, and intended use of animal products.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed: Cattle (beef and non-lactating dairy), Sheep, Pigs, and Horses (target species). Use is generally permitted during pregnancy in non-dairy animals.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Non-target species, including Dogs (especially Collies and related crosses), Cats, and Turtles/Tortoises, due to risk of fatal toxicity. Known hypersensitivity to Ivermectin or excipients.
Eligibility-related prohibitions and restrictions: Use is prohibited in animals producing milk for human consumption and in dairy heifers within 60 days of calving. The injectable solution must not be administered by the intravenous or intramuscular route. Special caution is required for sick animals or those with low plasma protein levels.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Official documents categorize eligibility primarily by target species and safety for human consumption, imposing absolute prohibitions on dairy animals and specific non-target breeds, while applying conditional use based on the animal’s health status or the presence of migrating Hypoderma larvae.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Animec Interactions with other medicines and products

Animec, which contains the active substance Ivermectin, is primarily an antiparasitic agent. Information regarding drug interactions is critical for safe use. While regulatory documents for some Ivermectin-containing products specifically state that "None known" or "No interactions have been reported" in the veterinary context, the broader pharmacological profile of Ivermectin suggests potential for interaction based on its metabolism.

Ivermectin is primarily metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system in the liver. Therefore, co-administration with other drugs that strongly inhibit or induce the CYP3A4 enzyme could potentially alter the concentration of Ivermectin in the body. Inhibition may increase drug levels, raising the risk of toxicity, while induction may decrease levels, potentially reducing effectiveness.

In human medicine, specific cautionary interactions are noted. For example, Ivermectin may potentiate the effects of warfarin, an anticoagulant, thus increasing the risk of bleeding. The co-administration of Ivermectin with other medications that depress the central nervous system (CNS), such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates, may also increase the risk of CNS effects, including drowsiness, confusion, and ataxia. This is partly due to Ivermectin's role as a substrate and inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp), a pump that helps regulate drug passage across the blood-brain barrier. Co-administration with P-gp inhibitors can increase Ivermectin's concentration in the CNS.

  • Interacting Medicinal Product Classes: Strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 enzymes; strong inhibitors of P-glycoprotein; oral anticoagulants; CNS depressants.
  • Key Interacting Medicines (Human): Warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect).
  • Interaction Mechanism: CYP3A4 metabolism and P-glycoprotein transport modulation.

Consultation with a healthcare professional or veterinarian is necessary to evaluate the safety of combining Ivermectin with any other product.

Mechanism of Action

How Animec Works: Pharmacodynamic Mechanism

Neuromuscular Paralysis via Chloride Channel Activation

The mechanism of Ivermectin (Animec) is defined by its selective interaction with Glutamate-Gated Chloride Channels ( GluCl), integral to the invertebrate nervous system and musculature. Ivermectin acts as an activator of these channels, triggering a massive, sustained influx of chloride ions (Cl^-) into the parasite's nerve and muscle cells. This action leads to deep and irreversible hyperpolarization, effectively silencing the cells and causing flaccid paralysis of the organism. The selective activity is mediated by the absence of GluCl channels in the host and the limited passage of Ivermectin across the mammalian blood-brain barrier.

Metabolic Collapse Through Glycolytic Enzyme Inhibition

The mechanism of Clorsulon, included in Animec Super, differs from Ivermectin's action by targeting the energy metabolism of adult liver flukes. Clorsulon functions as a competitive inhibitor of key enzymes in the flukes' primary energy pathway—anaerobic glycolysis. This blockade prevents the utilization of glucose, leading to depletion of ATP (cellular energy). The resulting energy starvation causes the functional and structural breakdown of the fluke's protective outer layer, resulting in cellular disruption.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Animec — Administration Guidelines

This section summarizes the administration instructions for Animec, focusing on the procedural steps for use. These guidelines are based on product characteristics and labeling.

Administration Scope

  • Route of administration: Oral (Tablets/Capsules).
  • Dosing Schedule: 200 mg (two 100 mg units) taken twice daily (b.i.d.).
  • Timing in relation to meals: The dose must be taken following a meal.
  • Preparation requirements: None explicitly stated beyond standard oral administration.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration Method Oral
Frequency Pattern Twice Daily
Use-Context Constraint Must be taken following a meal

Resulting Procedural Structure

Step Sequence:

  1. Take two 100 mg tablets, totaling the 200 mg dose.
  2. Administer the dose following a meal.
  3. Repeat this process twice daily.
  4. Missed Dose Rule: If a dose is missed within 6 hours of the scheduled time, take it following a meal as soon as possible. If more than 6 hours have passed, do not take the missed dose; instead, resume the normal schedule.

This protocol defines the technical means and timing for administering the drug, consistent with documented specifications for proper usage.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Animec

This overview describes the types of official research that have studied Ivermectin (the active ingredient in Animec) for its licensed uses in animals, focusing on what was observed in the studies and where scientific understanding may be limited. This summary uses evidence-neutral language and does not provide clinical advice, dosing instructions, or safety information.


Evidence for Use in Gastrointestinal Roundworms

Gastrointestinal roundworms was studied for its management using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and various Field Experimental Studies. This research was applied in study settings that included cattle, sheep, and horses. Research examined how parasite egg counts changed over defined time intervals, using these measurements as main outcomes monitoring physiological strain or stress.

The findings describe patterns where a change in parasite egg counts was observed in some studies following the use of Ivermectin. These measurements of change contribute to the broader evidence landscape that supported the initial regulatory review. The established scientific literature reports the global emergence of Anthelmintic Resistance (AR), meaning the evidence quality varies and the measurements of efficacy may be uncertain across different geographic areas.


Evidence for Use in Lungworms and External Parasites

Research was evaluated in trials designed to examine Ivermectin's use against lungworms in cattle and against certain external parasites, such as mites and lice. For lungworms, the studies explored the drug's effect on the parasite burden, measuring the duration of its persistent activity. For external parasites, research examined outcomes related to visible parasite loads, including their quantification and the length of time control was observed in the studied populations.

Data for certain groups remain insufficient in the public domain, as much of the evidence is contained within initial regulatory dossiers. Scientific reports indicate that resistance may be a developing concern for lungworms, and data are still emerging regarding certainty in these areas.


Long-Term Evidence and Durability of Response

Research has explored how long the measured effects of Ivermectin persist in the animal. The follow-up durations were limited in the trials to the short-term for immediate effect. The long-term effects are not fully established beyond the observation periods used in the initial trials. There is limited information available on outcomes of use over multiple years.


What Scientific Research Indicates is Still Uncertain

Key research limitation frames include that follow-up durations were limited in many studies. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking in the public domain for certain newer treatments, and evidence quality varies across studies based on their design and execution. These factors mean that while the compound has been studied for its use in parasite control, the evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape without providing personal outcomes or guarantees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Animec (FAQ)


Q: Does taking Animec with food change anything about how it works?

Official instructions for some oral forms of the medicine state that the dose should be taken following a meal. For the active ingredient, Ivermectin, studies have indicated that taking some formulations with food may influence how the substance is absorbed into the body.


Q: Can people with [Common pre-existing condition, e.g., kidney problems] safely use Animec?

Official documents for the active substance (Ivermectin) note that caution is generally advised for individuals with liver problems, as the drug is metabolized in the liver. This may influence the drug's processing in the body, which is a consideration related to the risk profile. Official warnings also note that special caution is required when the product is used in sick animals.


Q: What kind of research has been published on Animec?

Studies have examined the change in parasite egg counts and the level of parasite load in target species. Research also explores topics like Anthelmintic Resistance (where the drug's effectiveness decreases over time) and the duration of the drug's activity. However, official information indicates that the long-term effects are not fully established beyond the observation periods used in initial trials.


Q: If I miss a dose of Animec, what do official documents say about what to do?

Official guidelines outline that a rule exists for managing a missed dose. If a dose is missed within 6 hours of the scheduled time, the rule describes taking it as soon as possible following a meal. If more than 6 hours have passed, the guidance describes resuming the normal schedule and not taking the missed dose.


Q: What are the key points to know about taking Animec with alcohol?

Regulatory documents indicate that the consumption of alcohol (ethanol) has a moderate interaction with the active substance (Ivermectin). This combination may be associated with an increase in the drug’s concentration in the body or may contribute to certain potential side effects, such as rash, dizziness, or headache.


Q: Is the research evidence for Animec considered high quality?

Scientific literature reports that the quality of evidence varies across studies, and that follow-up durations are often limited in many trials. The evidence that is available contributes to the overall regulatory review that supported the approval of the active substance.


Q: Are there common side effects that are considered mild or temporary?

Regulatory documents classify adverse reactions by their frequency. Common effects can include symptoms that are typically minor and temporary, such as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache. Serious adverse reactions are documented separately in the official product information.


Q: Can Animec affect sleep patterns?

Regulatory documents for the active substance (Ivermectin) list effects on the nervous system. These include reports of insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and somnolence (drowsiness) in the adverse reaction tables.


Q: Does Animec interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Official documents address interactions with broad classes of medicines, including strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 enzymes and medications that depress the central nervous system (CNS). Official documentation details interactions with broad pharmacological classes, but does not provide a comprehensive list of every specific over-the-counter product.


Q: Is Animec a type of antibiotic?

Animec belongs to the Macrocyclic Lactone class and is officially classified as an Anthelmintic agent. Anthelmintics are used to treat parasitic infections, which means this product is not classified as an antibiotic used for bacterial infections.


Q: What should I know about the safety profile of Animec?

The safety profile is formally defined by officially documented adverse reactions, which are classified by their frequency (Common, Uncommon, Rare). It includes documented serious outcomes such as neurotoxicity. The product also carries specific warnings regarding certain species and physiological states, such as the prohibition on use in dairy animals.


Q: Are there any long-term health concerns associated with using Animec?

Regulatory assessments of the active compound (Ivermectin) have noted a potential for damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Scientific research also indicates that long-term effects are not fully established beyond the observation periods used in initial trials.


Q: Is it common for Animec to cause stomach upset?

Yes, regulatory documents report common gastrointestinal side effects associated with the active substance (Ivermectin). These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.


Q: What information is available about the effectiveness of Animec in studies?

Research evidence has focused on monitoring physiological outcomes that relate to parasitic infections, such as the change in parasite egg counts and the duration of persistent activity against various parasites. These measured outcomes contribute to the evidence supporting the regulatory approval of the product.


Q: Is Animec considered a 'first-line' treatment for [Condition commonly treated]?

The active ingredient, Ivermectin, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the archetype for endectocidal agents and is included on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines. It is approved by regulatory agencies for the management of specific parasitic infections in its licensed species.


Q: Can older adults use Animec, or are there special cautions?

Regulatory guidance for the active substance (Ivermectin) notes that older individuals may process the drug more slowly due to age-related changes in organ function. This slower processing could potentially increase the risk of experiencing side effects.


Q: Do researchers know exactly how the active ingredient in Animec works in the body?

Yes, the active ingredient's mechanism of action is well-defined in regulatory documents. It works by selectively interacting with Glutamate-Gated Chloride Channels ( GluCl) in the parasite, which causes flaccid paralysis of the organism.


Q: Are there different strengths of Animec available?

Animec is prepared in several different dosage form(s) to suit various administration routes and target species. These forms include Oral Paste, Oral Solution (Drench), and Solution for Injection, and each form contains a different strength of the active ingredient.


Q: Does Animec lose its effect over time?

Official warnings and scientific literature note the global emergence of Anthelmintic Resistance (AR). This refers to the ability of parasites to survive treatment, which means the efficacy of the drug may decrease over time, particularly with frequent and repeated use.


Q: Is there a generic version of Animec available?

The active ingredient, Ivermectin, is the subject of several approved Abbreviated New Animal Drug Applications (ANADA). This means that generic versions of the active ingredient, in various formulations, are available for use.


Q: Why do official materials advise against using Animec during pregnancy?

Regulatory documents state that use is prohibited in certain populations, such as dairy animals within 60 days of calving, and permitted in others. Furthermore, safety has not been established in some contexts, and animal studies have shown evidence of maternal and neonatal toxicity when high doses were administered.


Q: Is Animec widely accepted or recognized by international health bodies?

Yes, the active ingredient, Ivermectin, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the archetype for endectocidal agents. It is also included on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines.


Q: Is Animec known to cause any skin reactions or rashes?

Regulatory documents report effects on the skin and immune system. Common reactions include pruritus (itching) and rash. Serious, though rare, severe skin reactions have also been documented in the official safety profile.


Q: What is the primary way Animec is eliminated from the body?

The active substance (Ivermectin) is primarily eliminated from the body in the faeces as the unaltered drug. Only a small amount, less than 2% of the administered dose, is typically excreted in the urine.


Q: Do people using Animec often report headaches?

Yes, adverse reaction reports associated with the active substance (Ivermectin) include headache as a potential side effect that has been documented in the regulatory information.


Q: Can Animec be used by children, and what does the research say?

For human use of the active substance (Ivermectin), the safety and effectiveness have not been established in children weighing less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).


Q: Is Animec known to cause changes in appetite or weight?

Regulatory documents list anorexia (loss of appetite) as a reported side effect associated with the active substance (Ivermectin).


Q: Do official sources list any specific lifestyle changes to consider when using Animec?

Official documents mention caution regarding the consumption of alcohol while using the drug. Furthermore, the potential for effects on the nervous system may require consideration when performing tasks that require mental alertness.


Q: Are there certain health conditions that require a doctor to adjust the use of Animec?

The need for adjustment is noted for individuals with liver problems, as the drug is metabolized in the liver. Official warnings also note that special caution is required when the product is used in sick animals.

How should Animec be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Instructions

The storage requirements for Animec are specified by formulation to maintain stability. The Oral Drench must be stored below 30 C and protected from direct sunlight. The Oral Paste has a maximum storage temperature and must not be stored above 25 C.

Formulation Stability After Opening Packaging Constraint
Oral Drench 18 months Protect from sunlight
Injection Solution 28 days Store Super Injection in outer carton (protect from light)

All Animec products must be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Unused product and waste must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. The medicine is extremely dangerous to aquatic life and must not contaminate surface waters or ditches.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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