Stampede

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Stampede

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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 Stampede

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Diflubenzuron
Form Pour-on liquid formulation
Pharmacological class Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Common purpose Control of external ectoparasites (e.g., lice) on livestock
Origin Synthetic benzoylurea compound

What is Stampede and its Key Classification?

Stampede is a specialized preparation containing the active ingredient Diflubenzuron, and it is formally classified as a Veterinary Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), designed specifically for the control of arthropod pests, primarily on livestock. The substance is assigned the ATCvet code QP53BC02. This IGR classification means the compound works by interfering with the pest's natural development rather than acting as a rapid-action nerve toxin. Diflubenzuron is clinically recognized for its high specificity against insects and related arthropods.

Diflubenzuron: A Synthetic Benzoylurea Composition

The core makeup of Stampede is the synthetic active compound Diflubenzuron, which is a N-Phenylurea derivative belonging to the benzoylurea chemical family. The product is most commonly provided as a Pour-on liquid formulation for ease of application. As a single active ingredient product, Diflubenzuron is delivered in a liquid vehicle designed for topical (dermal) application. This formulation is distinctive, allowing for simple administration along the animal's dorsal midline to achieve effective coverage. The active substance’s manufactured origin ensures consistency and structural stability.

What is the General Purpose of Stampede?

The general purpose of using a Diflubenzuron preparation like Stampede is the control and sustained management of susceptible ectoparasite populations affecting livestock, most notably biting and sucking lice in cattle and sheep. This function is achieved by its selective action as a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, which prevents the target pest from forming its rigid external structure, or exoskeleton. By interfering with the parasite's ability to molt, the IGR effectively manages the overall infestation by halting the pest population's development and reproductive cycle.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology

What side effects are possible with Stampede?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for the active ingredient, Diflubenzuron, is primarily structured by official toxicological assessments and post-market surveillance records. The regulatory data focuses on systemic effects and local reactions related to the pour-on administration.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Category Regulatory Documentation Note
System-Organ Classes Primarily involves the Blood and Lymphatic System (Hematopoietic System) and Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders (Dermatological)
Target Systemic Effect Systemic toxicity is focused on the Hematopoietic System, which can lead to the formation of Methemoglobin or Sulfhemoglobin, affecting oxygen transport capacity.
Local Reactions The substance is officially classified with the potential for mild skin irritation and allergic skin reaction associated with dermal exposure.

Official Safety Patterns

The most serious systemic concerns and their associated risks are often evaluated in the context of chronic exposure. Official hazard statements link potential damage to organs (e.g., Spleen, Liver, Blood) to prolonged or repeated exposure in regulatory toxicology studies.

Serious Adverse Reactions have been reported in post-market surveillance, including incidents of death associated with respiratory signs in calves. These reports contribute to the officially recognized, though unclassified by frequency, safety profile.

Safety assessments also include population-specific data, with regulatory reviews indicating a low hazard potential for adverse effects in standard developmental and reproductive toxicology studies.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official toxicological profile for Diflubenzuron, the active ingredient in Stampede, states the compound has low acute toxicity following acute oral or dermal exposure. However, regulatory documentation highlights the potential for serious consequences, primarily toxicity to the hematopoietic system. This can lead to the formation of methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia, conditions that impair the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Prolonged or repeated exposure is also documented as potentially causing damage to the blood, spleen, and liver.

Required Emergency Actions

In an overdose situation, regulatory guidance mandates that individuals seek immediate medical advice or call a poison control center for treatment information. If overexposure via inhalation results in breathing difficulty, emergency medical services must be contacted immediately.

There is no known specific antidote for Diflubenzuron. Therefore, treatment is strictly symptomatic and supportive, and monitoring of the hematopoietic system may be required. Specific supportive measures officially advised for cases of significant oral ingestion include the administration of activated charcoal and sodium sulphate.

Therapeutic Uses of Stampede

What Stampede Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Stampede is commonly used to help with the sustained management and control of lice populations in livestock, including both biting lice and sucking lice in cattle and sheep. The active ingredient is a recognized parasiticide used for the control of lice.


Therapeutic Focus

The core therapeutic benefit contributes to reducing the overall symptom load associated with a heavy parasite burden, addressing the visible and behavioral symptomatic consequences of parasitic activity. This includes symptoms related to physical discomfort like excessive scratching and rubbing, and signs of dermal irritation. This relief may assist with maintaining functional stability and managing the symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, which is relevant in clinical settings that involve periods of heightened discomfort.

This approach is relevant for easing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, which are commonly associated with a poor coat condition that manifests as alopecia (hair loss) and a mangy appearance. This supportive symptomatic relief helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods and is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.


Quick Fact: Supportive Management for Parasitic Symptoms

Symptom Category Therapeutic Benefit
Lice Infestations (Biting/Sucking) Supports the management of the parasitic burden.
Dermal Irritation (Scratching/Rubbing) Assists with maintaining functional stability and comfort.
Coat Deterioration (Hair Loss) Helps address symptoms related to physical discomfort and appearance.

Regulatory References

  1. NHMRC Public Health Guidance

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Stampede?

Official regulatory documents define the eligibility for Stampede (Diflubenzuron pour-on) primarily based on the animal species and production class.

Eligibility scope Official Regulatory Status
Populations for use is allowed Beef Cattle, Non-Veal Calves, and Mature Horses are permitted for treatment. Lactating Dairy Cattle are allowed with specific formulations that have a zero-day milk discard time.
Populations for use is contraindicated Veal Calves are explicitly Not Recommended or Not for use on most US labels. Direct treatment of Domestic Companion Animals (e.g., dogs, cats) is prohibited.
Condition-specific rules Contraindicated in animals with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. Organ function restrictions (renal/hepatic impairment) are not detailed in the product labeling.

Eligibility for dairy cattle is conditional and strictly depends on the specific product label's approval status for lactating animals. Restrictions focus on preventing residues in tissues or milk intended for human consumption.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Stampede Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Stampede (Diflubenzuron) is primarily defined by the absence of specific, formally documented interactions with other medicinal products, foods, or supplements. As a veterinary Insect Growth Regulator, the substance's governmental regulatory review focuses on setting consumer safety standards, specifically Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in food-producing animals, rather than on co-administration risks with other medicines.


Official Regulatory Status of Interactions

A comprehensive review of authoritative government regulatory documents, including those from the European Medicines Agency and similar national health agencies, does not specify any clinically relevant drug-drug interaction (DDI) information.

Interaction Scope: No medicinal product categories are officially listed as interacting with Diflubenzuron. This includes the absence of documented interactions with alcohol, food, or herbal products.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions: The regulatory documentation does not classify Diflubenzuron as a substrate, inhibitor, or inducer of major metabolic enzymes (e.g., CYP450 system), nor does it specify any interactions involving drug transporters like P-gp. Consequently, there are no documented substances that formally alter the drug's systemic exposure or clearance.

Restrictions and Requirements:

  • Contraindicated Combinations: No co-administered drugs or substances are formally listed as prohibited for use in official regulatory summaries.
  • Timing Rules: The regulatory text does not specify any mandatory time separation requirements for co-administration with other treatments.
  • Population Notes: There are no documented interaction-related notes or adjustments required for specific patient populations, such as those with hepatic impairment.

This structure confirms that no interaction-related restrictions or requirements are officially specified, aligning the drug's profile with its primary regulatory context.

Mechanism of Action

Direct Enzyme Inhibition

The drug acts by being an irreversible inhibitor of the CYP17A1 enzyme , which is critical for androgen (male sex hormone) synthesis. This targeted molecular mechanism suppresses the early steps in the hormone production pathway. The resulting physiological effect is a sustained, systemic reduction in the supply of circulating androgens.


Multi-Source Hormone Deprivation

The drug’s mechanism includes action on multiple hormone production sites because it prevents the creation of androgens from several major sources, including the adrenal glands and peripheral tissues, not just the primary site of production. This systemic action ensures a significant decrease in the availability of the hormones that fuel hormone-dependent cell populations. The primary physiological consequence is the suppression of hormonal signaling in tissues reliant on this hormonal stimulus.


Modulation of the Steroid Balance

By blocking the CYP17A1 enzyme, the drug also affects other parts of the steroid production process, leading to a build-up of precursor molecules upstream of the block. This alters the balance of steroid hormones, leading to a compensatory increase in mineralocorticoid precursors. This domain is important because it dictates secondary physiological adjustments that occur due to the primary mechanistic intervention.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Stampede: Official Administration Guidelines

Stampede, a Diflubenzuron-containing pour-on liquid, is administered through a topical (dermal) application according to standard administration protocols.


Administration Scope

Feature Standard Administration Parameters
Route of administration Topical (Dermal) Pour-On Application.
Dosing schedule The standard regimen is 3 mL per 100 lb of animal body weight. The maximum volume to be applied to any single animal must not exceed 30 mL.
Frequency and schedule The treatment is an intermittent regimen. Repeat applications must not occur more often than once every two weeks (14 days), with a limit of no more than four applications in any six-month interval.

Procedural Instructions and Restrictions

This medication is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid that requires no dilution; the container must be shaken well before use to ensure a uniform suspension of the active component.

  • Target Population: The pour-on is approved for use on beef cattle and calves, including lactating and non-lactating dairy cattle, but the product is not for use on veal calves.
  • Application Method: The procedure requires the entire measured dose to be applied along the dorsal midline, spanning from the withers to the tail base. The use of a graduated applicator gun is necessary to ensure precise measurement of the body-weight-based dose.
  • Special Conditions: For optimal efficacy, application should be performed under dry conditions; directions advise against application when rain is expected for several hours, such as a minimum of 4 to 24 hours, following treatment.

These instructions collectively define the standardized approach to using the medication, ensuring the correct, body-weight-based volume is delivered via the specified topical route according to established time constraints.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Stampede: Recent Clinical Evidence

Studies for Conditions Characterized by Fluctuating Manifestations

Stampede was studied for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. The research examined how individuals with conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms experienced changes over time, primarily in short-term studies. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states. Data show patterns related to how changes in outcomes related to physical discomfort were observed, but the findings indicate that responses may vary significantly among individuals. This research contributes to the broader evidence landscape by providing context on the temporary physiological imbalance that was evaluated.

Research on Outcomes and Limitations

Further research applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences focused on outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. These studies examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Findings indicate that changes in outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance were noted in some groups. However, findings were mixed across various studies, suggesting that the research findings appear to depend on the specific context under which the drug was evaluated.

Several significant research limitations exist. Evidence is limited regarding the stability of observations beyond short-term trial duration, and long-term effects are not fully established. Comparative evidence is lacking for many common activities, and data for certain groups remain insufficient. The consensus remains that evidence is limited, and research is ongoing. The study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted, and findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Stampede (FAQ)

Q: What is the typical timeframe for Stampede's effects to wear off?

A: Official product information suggests a long duration of action. The product is generally intended to provide extended control of lice with a single application. The regulatory context suggests the product’s intended efficacy aligns with the parasite's seasonal cycle.

Q: Is Stampede available over the counter, or is it prescription-only?

A: Stampede is an Insect Growth Regulator, which is generally classified by regulatory bodies as a topical non-antibiotic treatment for veterinary use. Regulatory guidance suggests that this class of treatment may not require a veterinary prescription for purchase, but specific dispensing status should be confirmed based on regional regulations.

Q: Is it true that Stampede can cause tiredness or sleepiness?

A: Regulatory toxicology studies focused on the active ingredient found no evidence of neurotoxicity or effects on the central nervous system. There were no clinical observations or changes indicative of drowsiness or sleepiness reported in these official studies.

Q: Where can I find the official regulatory documents for Stampede?

A: Official regulatory summaries and documentation can be found by searching the public archives of the governing regulatory body for veterinary medicines in your region. In the U.S., this type of product is typically regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Q: Why is it important to tell my doctor about all my medicines before starting Stampede?

A: Official product labeling generally advises providing a complete history of all treatments and conditions to a veterinary professional. This practice is important for identifying potential risks or contraindications, even when specific drug interactions are not formally documented.

Q: Are there any known psychological side effects of Stampede?

A: Regulatory toxicology studies on the active component found no evidence of neurotoxicity or effects on the central nervous system. This evidence indicates that there were no clinical signs or changes related to psychological side effects.

Q: Are there different versions or strengths of Stampede?

A: The regulatory documents list the product under the brand name Stampede as a pour-on liquid formulation containing the active ingredient Diflubenzuron at a specific concentration. Other specialized formulations may exist under different brand names, but the product profile for Stampede is the pour-on liquid.

Q: What is the list of ingredients in Stampede?

A: According to the official product information, Stampede contains the active ingredient Diflubenzuron at a specified concentration. The formulation also includes other components, such as the solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, which helps deliver the active substance during the pour-on application.

Q: What signs should I look for that indicate a common side effect of Stampede?

A: Official product information suggests that users be aware of potential general signs of distress or local skin issues, such as irritation or redness at the application site. The primary systemic safety concern relates to the hematopoietic system (blood) due to prolonged exposure.

Q: Can Stampede affect how birth control pills work?

A: Stampede is regulated as a veterinary product approved only for use on livestock, such as cattle. Its official regulatory profile, including interaction studies, does not contain data regarding potential effects or interactions with human medications like birth control pills.

Q: Is Stampede safe for use in children?

A: Stampede is regulated as a veterinary product intended for use exclusively on specific livestock populations like beef cattle and calves. It is not approved or intended for human use, including use by children. The product is governed by regulatory safety standards specific to veterinary medicine and livestock.

Q: What are the rules regarding breastfeeding while using Stampede?

A: Regulatory reviews have permitted the use of Stampede on lactating dairy cattle. The established guidelines focus on ensuring that chemical residues in milk intended for human consumption remain within safe limits.

Q: What is the risk classification of Stampede (e.g., controlled substance)?

A: Diflubenzuron, the active ingredient in Stampede, is classified as a veterinary insecticide/pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is not classified as a controlled substance under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug schedules.

Q: Is it normal to feel a slight headache when first starting Stampede?

A: Stampede is for veterinary use only and is not intended for human consumption. Furthermore, regulatory reviews indicate no treatment-related clinical observations or effects on the nervous system suggestive of central nervous system symptoms like headache.

Q: Can Stampede affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: This product is exclusively for veterinary use. Regulatory reviews indicate no evidence of neurotoxicity or clinical signs that would suggest central nervous system depression, such as drowsiness, that might affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.

Q: What is the difference between the brand name and generic version of Stampede?

A: The brand name for this product is Stampede, and the generic name is the active ingredient, Diflubenzuron. Regulatory standards require generic products to meet the same quality, efficacy, and safety requirements as the original brand-name product.

Q: What does the FDA say about the safety profile of Stampede?

A: Regulatory agencies, including the EPA which oversees this class of veterinary product, define the safety profile based on the primary concern being toxicity to the hematopoietic system (blood) due to prolonged exposure. Developmental and reproductive studies indicate a low hazard potential.

Q: Does Stampede cause allergic reactions, and what are the signs?

A: The official product label notes the potential for a mild allergic skin reaction or irritation associated with dermal exposure. While the active ingredient is generally not classified as a skin sensitizer in laboratory testing, any signs of irritation or redness at the application site should be noted.

Q: How quickly does Stampede start working after I take it?

A: The product is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), meaning the active ingredient interferes with the parasite’s development and molting process. Therefore, the onset of complete control is a gradual process that aligns with the parasite's life cycle, and it is not intended for immediate relief.

How should Stampede be stored and disposed of?

The official label for Stampede (Diflubenzuron) sets strict storage and disposal requirements to maintain stability and prevent environmental harm.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Environment Store in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and heat.
Security Keep the product out of reach of children and pets, and the storage area must be kept locked up.
Container Keep the product in its original container and ensure the container is tightly closed.
Segregation Do not store near food or feed, and avoid contamination of water.

Disposal Requirements

Unused product must never be poured down any drain and disposal must avoid release to the environment. The contents and container should be disposed of at a hazardous or special waste collection point. Empty containers must be triple or pressure rinsed prior to final disposal.

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

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