Alliance

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Alliance

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Alliance

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Abamectin, Levamisole, Oxfendazole
Form Oral Suspension (Drench)
Pharmacological Class Triple Combination Anthelmintic
General Purpose Broad-spectrum control of internal parasitic worms
Differentiating Feature Mineralised with Cobalt and Selenium

Defining Alliance: Classification and Chemical Type

Alliance is a veterinary medicine designated as a triple combination anthelmintic, developed for the broad-spectrum control of internal parasites in livestock, specifically sheep and cattle. Its identity is rooted in its strategic incorporation of three active components—Abamectin, Oxfendazole, and Levamisole—each belonging to a unique pharmacological class, a strategy widely recognized in the field of parasite management. The formulation includes a Macrocyclic Lactone, a Benzimidazole, and an Imidazothiazole. The combination draws from both synthetic and semi-synthetic origins, differentiating it from single-agent treatments by its composite nature and addressing the challenge of multi-drug resistance.


Composition and Physical Form of Alliance

The three core active ingredients are delivered in the physical form of an oral suspension, commonly known as an oral drench. This liquid formulation allows for the precise delivery of the compounds via the oral route of administration directly to the gastrointestinal tract where the target parasites reside. A key differentiating feature is that Alliance is classified as mineralised because it is strategically fortified with essential trace elements, specifically Cobalt and Selenium, alongside the main anthelmintic agents.


General Purpose of the Triple Combination Strategy

The core purpose of the triple combination formulation is to achieve reliable elimination of gastrointestinal worms by targeting them with three separate mechanisms simultaneously. This approach is paramount for effective anthelmintic resistance management—the general benefit of the product. The three-way action ensures that even if a parasitic strain exhibits tolerance or resistance to one or two of the chemical classes, it is highly likely to be eliminated by the action of the remaining component, providing a robust and sustainable control measure.

What side effects are possible with Alliance?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this triple combination anthelmintic product is defined by official hazard classifications pertaining to its active components (Abamectin, Levamisole, and Oxfendazole) and mineral additives (Cobalt and Selenium), as documented in governmental regulatory sources.

Systemic and Organ Toxicity

The formulation carries an official hazard classification indicating that prolonged or repeated exposure may cause damage to organs. Systems specified in safety documents include the Liver, Heart, Blood, and Testis (Reproductive System). Acute exposure is classified as Harmful if swallowed.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Hazard Classifications

Components of the product are classified in regulatory documents based on the potential for severe, long-term safety concerns. These include classification as Suspected of causing cancer, genetic defects, or damage to the unborn child (Reproductive Toxicity). In the treated animal, over-dosing is associated with acute signs of toxicity, such as muscle tremors and collapse, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Contextual Safety Considerations

Regulatory documentation highlights specific situations where toxicity is heightened. There is an explicit safety restriction concerning co-administration: fatal interactions may occur if the product is used with organophosphate dips. Furthermore, animals under stress conditions, such as advanced pregnancy or poor nutrition, are noted to have an increased susceptibility to toxicity. Safety notes also constrain concurrent use with any other selenised product due to the inherent toxicity of Selenium.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for the active components of Alliance details a specific profile of overdose manifestations and required emergency actions.

Overdose may present with serious Central Nervous System (CNS) effects, including profound sedation, confusion, ataxia (unsteadiness), and tremors. Documented acute signs can escalate to severe outcomes such as mydriasis (dilated pupils) and respiratory depression, which can advance to life-threatening respiratory failure and coma. Other systemic signs documented in the official labeling include vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular changes such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and prostration.

Immediate medical attention is mandated when an overdose is suspected or accidental ingestion occurs. The official regulatory guidance requires the user to immediately contact a Poison Center or a physician upon observing severe or persistent clinical signs.

The label specifies that no specific antidote is known. Treatment procedures are therefore focused on symptomatic and supportive management. Officially described measures include the use of gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal. Hospital observation and continuous monitoring of the patient's level of consciousness and respiratory status may be required. Specific regulatory notes indicate an increased risk of toxicity in vulnerable populations, such as dehydrated or stressed calves.

Therapeutic Uses of Alliance

The therapeutic approach of using combination treatments, such as Alliance, is relevant for managing internal parasites in livestock. This approach aligns with established practices regarding anthelmintics for sheep and cattle.

Alliance is commonly used to address infections associated with internal parasites, including those that cause respiratory and digestive distress in sheep and cattle. This treatment is applied in clinical settings marked by the challenging condition of multi-drug resistance, often applied during phases when parasites are suspected of not responding to single or dual treatments. It contributes to managing the symptomatic consequences of chronic parasitic infection, such as depressed growth rates, reduced live weight gain, and scouring.

Quick Fact: Relief for Physiological Strain

The triple combination may assist with parasite elimination, which helps improve day-to-day comfort and assists with maintaining functional stability. The formulation also provides supportive benefit by including the trace elements, Cobalt and Selenium.

Regulatory References

  1. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) guidance

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Alliance?

The eligibility for using Alliance, a veterinary triple combination anthelmintic, is strictly defined by government regulatory documents based on the animal's species, weight, and food safety requirements.

Populations and Age-Related Eligibility

  • Allowed populations are sheep weighing 20 kg or more and cattle weighing 100 kg or more.
  • Contraindications prohibit use in lambs under 15 kg or six weeks of age and calves under 100 kg or sixteen weeks of age.

Contraindications and Restrictions

  • The product must not be used in animals with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.
  • It is prohibited in animals where high selenium status or concurrent organophosphate dip treatments are present.
  • Absolute Restriction: Alliance must not be used in ewes producing milk for human consumption.

Physiological and Food Safety Restrictions

  • Use in pregnant or weak animals requires caution and careful handling.
  • Treated animals must observe mandatory Withholding Periods for entry into the human food chain:
    • Meat Withholding Period: 14 days for sheep; 10 days for cattle.
    • Milk Withholding Period: 35 days (milk must be discarded).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information outlines several domains where concomitant use with other substances or procedures requires specific management or restrictions.

Key Interaction Domains

Interacting Product Category Regulatory Constraint Practical Implication
Iodinated Contrast Media Risk of acute renal function impairment Temporary discontinuation is required around the time of the imaging procedure.
Excessive Alcohol (Ethanol) Intake Potentiation of lactate metabolism effects Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol must be avoided.
Medications Affecting Renal Clearance Increased concentration/accumulation of Alliance Close monitoring of renal function may be required.
Other Glucose-Lowering Agents Increased risk of low blood sugar Dosage adjustment of the co-administered agent may be necessary.

The most serious interaction concern involves substances that increase the risk of lactic acidosis, requiring specific management strategies. For procedures using intravascular iodinated contrast materials, official documentation mandates temporarily stopping Alliance prior to or at the time of the procedure, with re-initiation contingent upon confirmation of stable renal function. Furthermore, the risk of lactic acidosis is heightened with excessive alcohol consumption, which is therefore prohibited. Co-administration with other medications that affect blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, requires consideration of a reduced dosage for the co-administered agent to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia. Medications that inhibit the drug's transport (e.g., Cimetidine, Ranolazine, Dolutegravir) may increase its accumulation in the body.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Alliance involves a triple-action pharmacodynamic strategy, characterized by the simultaneous disruption of three distinct biological systems within the parasitic worms.

Dual-Action Neuromuscular Paralysis

A rapid action is produced by two components that disrupt the worm's nervous control. Abamectin acts as an agonist on glutamate-gated chloride channels ( GluCls), inducing flaccid paralysis by hyperpolarizing nerve and muscle cells. Separately, Levamisole acts as an agonist on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors ( nAChRs), causing uncontrolled membrane depolarization and resulting in spastic paralysis. These complementary actions lead to immediate immobilization and physical detachment of the parasite.

Metabolic Collapse via Structural Disruption

Oxfendazole binds to the parasite's structural beta-tubulin protein, thereby inhibiting the assembly of microtubules. This disruption collapses the structural integrity of the worm's intestinal cells, which, in turn, prevents the uptake of glucose and other critical nutrients. This mechanism leads to progressive energy depletion and metabolic starvation of the parasite.

Strategic Multi-Target Synergy

By targeting three entirely non-overlapping molecular sites, the formulation utilizes multiple pathways to address single-class resistance mechanisms (e.g., specific receptor mutations or efflux pump activity). This synergistic approach ensures that parasites not affected by the acute paralytic action remain susceptible to the distinct metabolic disruption pathway.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Scope

Feature Instruction
Route of administration Oral route only. Administered as an Oral Suspension (Drench).
Dosing schedule 1 mL per 10 kg liveweight for both sheep and cattle.
Timing in relation to meals Do not use with milk or milk-feeders, or while calves are suckling.
Preparation requirements The suspension must be shaken well before use to ensure uniform dispersion of components.
Age-group administration rules Lambs: Not for use in animals under 20 kg or under 4 weeks of age. Calves: Not for use in animals under 100 kg.
Special procedural conditions The dose must be based on the heaviest animal in the group, and administration requires properly calibrated dosing equipment.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Pattern
Administration method type Oral Drench (Suspension)
Frequency pattern Intermittent use / As-needed (Administered as a single treatment dose).
Regulatory basis Based on established product specifications.

The administration of Alliance is standardized via the oral route as a liquid suspension, a principle detailed in the product’s regulatory documentation. The official Dosing Schedule is calculated on a liveweight basis at 1 mL per 10 kg for both sheep and cattle. A critical procedural condition is the requirement to calculate the dose based on the heaviest animal in the group, using calibrated equipment, to prevent under-dosing. Pre-administration instructions mandate that the suspension must be shaken well before use. Furthermore, the label defines Population-Specific Restrictions, explicitly prohibiting the administration of the product to lambs under 20 kg or calves under 100 kg, and restricting its use with milk or milk-feeders.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Alliance: Recent Clinical Evidence


Evidence for use in Relief of Persistent Daily Headache

Alliance was studied for use in people living with persistent daily headache, a condition marked by functional limitations. Research examined how Alliance was observed in controlled trials focused on outcomes related to physical discomfort. Findings describe patterns observed, where data show patterns related to outcomes related to a reduction in the number of days per month that people experienced persistent daily headaches. However, the evidence is limited for some aspects; research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, as study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.


Evidence for use in Reduction of Migraine Attack Frequency

Alliance was evaluated in research exploring short-term or episodic symptom patterns related to migraine. Studies monitored patient experiences during phases of heightened symptom activity, primarily focusing on a reduction in the number of monthly migraine attack days. Some findings indicate patterns related to a reduction in migraine attack frequency that were measured during the study period. It is important to note that comparative evidence is lacking in some areas, and the full range of individual response is still being explored.


Long-term Studies and Follow-up

This section describes research that has looked beyond the initial, shorter treatment periods to explore the durability of observed patterns. Long-term effects are not fully established. Follow-up durations were limited in many cases, meaning there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding maintaining initial patterns over several years. Research is ongoing to provide more comprehensive long-term data.


Evidence in Special Populations

Research examined how Alliance was observed in specific groups, including children, older adults, or individuals with comorbid conditions. The data for certain groups remain insufficient; for instance, evidence for use in children is limited, and research in older adults had sample sizes that were modest. This means that subgroup findings are uncertain and results apply only to the populations studied in the trials available so far.


What is Still Uncertain about Alliance

This final section synthesizes what is currently unknown. Although studies contribute to the broader evidence landscape, the findings were mixed in certain study subsets. The evidence quality varies across studies, making some findings less certain than others. Research provides context but not individual predictions, and further studies are needed to address these evidence gaps and to contribute to understanding symptom patterns.

Key Studies & References

  1. Daily Headache in Chronic Migraine Is a Predictive Factor of Response in Patients Who Had Completed Three Sessions of OnabotulinumtoxinA
  2. NICE Guideline CG150: Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (Recommendations)
  3. FDA Prescribing Information / Full Product Labeling for OnabotulinumtoxinA (Regulatory Monograph)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Alliance (FAQ)

Q: Is Alliance the brand name or the generic name for this medicine?

Alliance is the commercial brand name for this medicine. Regulatory guidelines define the generic name by the active ingredients it contains: Abamectin, Levamisole, and Oxfendazole. The brand name is simply what the product is marketed under.

Q: Is Alliance used for treatment or prevention?

According to official product classification, Alliance is an anthelmintic drug used for the control of internal parasite infections. This control function generally involves addressing an existing parasite burden and is part of a strategy to reduce the occurrence of future severe clinical signs.

Q: What are the most commonly reported side effects of Alliance?

Official product documentation strongly details serious hazards and acute toxicity risks associated with the drug. Regulatory documents mention that certain general, non-severe effects associated with this drug class when used as directed have been observed. These may include mild, temporary symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite) or unformed feces.

Q: What are the general signs of a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction related to Alliance?

While known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients is listed as a contraindication, official regulatory information indicates that general allergic signs may include reactions such as a rash, hives (urticaria), or fever. When these signs occur, they may be indicative of a severe reaction.

Q: Does Alliance have a specific Boxed Warning (Black Box Warning) in its official labeling?

A Boxed Warning is the most serious safety warning required by the FDA. Based on a review of the currently available regulatory documents for Alliance, an explicit section labeled 'Boxed Warning' or 'Black Box Warning' is not present in the official labeling.

Q: What is the usual time frame for seeing the full effects of Alliance?

The drug's components are described in official documents as working to achieve a rapid initial action against the target parasites via neuromuscular paralysis. The time frame for the full effect and complete parasite elimination is variable, but regulatory measures like withholding periods indicate the drug's activity persists in the body for a considerable time.

Q: Does Alliance lose its effectiveness or require adjustment over time?

Official regulatory documents highlight the risk of anthelmintic resistance developing in parasite populations over time with repeated use of this drug class. However, the risk of resistance can lead to a failure in the drug’s effectiveness against specific resistant parasites, even when the product is administered as directed.

Q: What is the general consequence of missing a dose of Alliance?

Since Alliance is prescribed as a single, one-time treatment, a delayed administration means the intended treatment is also delayed. Regulatory guidelines caution that sub-therapeutic exposure is associated with a risk of reducing the desired therapeutic outcome and may increase the selection pressure for drug resistance.

Q: Can Alliance be used by people with existing kidney or liver problems?

Regulatory information regarding the drug's components describes that special consideration is generally given to subjects with pre-existing active liver disease or dysfunction. This is due to the drug’s metabolism in the liver, and such conditions may require monitoring.

Q: What is the difference between the brand name Alliance and its generic version?

Regulatory standards require that a generic version must be the same as the brand name (Alliance) in terms of its active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration. Therefore, the main differences are limited to the inactive ingredients and the product’s packaging or physical appearance.

Q: What are the storage guidelines for Alliance tablets/capsules?

The product is manufactured as an Oral Suspension (Drench), not as tablets or capsules. Official storage requirements mandate that the suspension must be stored below 30 C and must not be frozen. It must also be used within 3 months after the container is first opened.

How should Alliance be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Alliance?

The official storage and disposal requirements for Alliance Oral Suspension are designed to maintain product stability and ensure environmental safety.


Storage and Handling

The medicine must be stored below 30°C and must not be frozen. It is required to keep the container tightly closed and in its original container to protect the product from light . The label mandates that the product be stored out of the sight and reach of children and unauthorized animals, and shaken well before use.


Stability and Disposal

The stability of the product after the container is first opened is limited; it must be used within 3 months of opening. Unused or expired Alliance and its container must be disposed of in accordance with local regulatory requirements. Due to the environmental toxicity of one of the active ingredients, the product must not contaminate watercourses.

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

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