Approval Date: December 1, 1989
Freedom of Information Summary
NADA 140-893
I. GENERAL INFORMATION:
NADA 140-893 Sponsor: Beecham Laboratories
Div. of Beecham Inc.
501 Fifth Street
Bristol, TN 37620Generic Name: Epsiprantel Trade Name: CESTEX ® Marketing Status: II. INDICATIONS FOR USEIndications for Use:
CESTEX® (epsiprantel) tablets are indicated for the removal of the following:III. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONFeline cestodes: Dipylidium caninumand Taenia taeniaeformis
Canine cestodes: Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformis
CESTEX® (epsiprantel) tablets should be administered orally. The recommended dosage of epsiprantel is:IV. EFFICACY:Cat - 1.25 mg/lb of body weight
Dog - 2.5 mg/lb of body weightFasting is not necessary or recommended.
Unless exposure to the infected intermediate hosts is controlled, reinfection is likely. In the case of D. caninum, an effective flea control program should be instituted.
The effectiveness of CESTEX® in treating feline and canine tapeworms was demonstrated in dose titration, dose confirmation and clinical field studies.V. Animal Safety:A. Pivotal Studies - Canine
1. Dose Titration Studies
Four dose titration studies were conducted with epsiprantel tablets under the FDA guidelines for cestocides. The dosage levels used were 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75 mg/lb administered orally as a single dose. All dogs were necropsied according to a standard parasitological procedure. Efficacy was calculated as the percent of dogs cleared using the FDA's formula published in the guidelines.
Mean # parasites in control- Mean # parasites in treatment _____________________________ X 100= % Efficacy Mean # parasites in controla) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum A study in 40 random source dogs with natural infections of Dipylidium caninumwas conducted by Dr. Ed Roberson, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. The results of this study are displayed in Table #1.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 1 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10 91 0 0 - 1.25 10 5 7 7 94.5 2.5 10 0 10 10 100.0 3.75 10 0 10 10 100.0Two dogs in the control group and one dog in each of the treatment groups also had concurrent infections with Taenia pisiformis. None of the dogs in the treatment groups had Taenia present at necropsy, while the control dogs remained positive at necropsy. No adverse effects were noted. b) Experimentally Induced Taenia pisiformisDr. Roberson conducted a study in 40 random source dogs utilizing an experimentally induce Taenia pisiformismodel. The results of this study are displayed in Table #2.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 2 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Experimentally Induced T. pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10 35 0 0 - 1.25 10 1 9 90 97.1 2.5 10 0 10 100 100.0 3.75 10 0 10 100 100.0There was no evidence of any adverse reactions in the treated dogs. c) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformisInfectionsA study in 48 random source dogs with natural infections of Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformiswas conducted by Dr. Thomas J. Kennedy, AEF Research, Inc., Waunakee, Wisconsin. All 48 dogs were positive for T. pisiformis. In addition, each group had six dogs with concurrent D. caninuminfections. The results of this study are shown in Tables #3 and #4.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 3 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring T. pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 12 404 2 16.7 - 1.25 12 7 7 58.3 98.3 2.5 12 0 12 100.0 100.0 3.75 12 0 12 100.0 100.0(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)Table 4 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 7* 35 1 14.3 - 1.25 6 0 6 100.0 100.0 2.5 6 0 6 100.0 100.0 3.75 6 0 6 100.0 100.0 *One dog was negative pre-treatment but was positive for both Taeniaand Dipylidiumand was thus counted as positive pre-treatment.No side effects were observed in these dogs. d) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformisInfectionsA study in random source dogs which were naturally infected with Dipylidium caninumand/or Taenia pisiformiswas conducted by Dr. Robert Corwin, University of Missouri, columbia, Missouri. The results of this study are displayed in Table #5 and #6.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 5 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 12* 421 0 0 - 1.25 7 232 6 85.7 5.5 2.5 7 1 6 85.7 99.6 3.75 7 0 7 100.0 100.0 *3 dogs were negative for Dipylidiumon pre-treatment but were positive for Dipylidiumon necropsy and were thus counted as positive pre-treatment.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)Table 6 Dose Titration - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Taenia pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 7* 56 0 0 - 1.25 8 4 5 62.5 93.8 2.5 10 0 10 100.0 100.0 3.75 7 3 6 85.7 94.6 *1 dog was negative for Taenia on pre-treatment but was positive for Taenia on necropsy and was thus counted as positive pre-treatment.No adverse reactions occurred in this study. The results from all 4 pivotal dose titration studies support the conclusion that 2.5 mg/lb is the optimum dose of epsiprantel in dogs.2. Dose Confirmation Studies
Four dose confirmation studies were conducted with epsiprantel tablets according to the FDA guideline for cestocides. The dosage level was 2.5 mg/lb administered orally as a single dose. All dogs were necropsied according to a standard parasitological procedure.
a) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum
A study in 20 random source dogs with natural infections of Dipylidium caninumwas conducted by Dr. Ed Roberson. Epsiprantel tablets were administered as a single oral dose at 2.5 mg/lb. This dosage level was compared to a non -reated control group. The study results are presented in Table #7.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 7 Dose Confirmation - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10 327 0 0 - 2.5 10 0 10 100.0 100.0Epsiprantel was effective at a dose of 2.5 mg/lb. No adverse effects were noted in this study. b) Experimentally Induced Taenia pisiformisInfectionsA dose confirmation study in 20 random source dogs with experimentally induced Taenia pisiformisinfections was conducted by Dr. Roberson. Epsiprantel tablets were administered as a single oral dose at 2.5 mg/lb. This dosage level was compared to a non treated control group. The results of this study are displayed in Table #8.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 8 Dose Confirmation - Epsiprantel Experimentally Induced Taenia pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10 104 0 0 - 2.5 10 0 10 100.0 100.0Epsiprantel was effective in eliminating Taenia pisiformisat a dosage level of 2.5 mg/lb. No adverse effects were observed in this study. c) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninumand/or Taenia pisiformisInfectionsA dose confirmation study in 24 random source dogs with natural Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformisinfections was conducted by Dr. Thomas Kennedy. Epsiprantel was administered as a single oral dose at 2.5 mg/lb. This dosage level was compared to a non-treated control group. Fourteen of the 24 dogs had D. caninuminfections and 20 of 24 had T. pisiformisinfections. The results of this study are displayed in Tables #9 and #10.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 9 Dose Confirmation Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 8* 110 1 12.5 - 2.5 6 0 6 100.0 100.0 *3 dogs were negative pre-treatment but were positive for Dipylidium caninumpost-treatment and were thus counted as positive pre-treatment.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)Table 10 Dose Confirmation - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Taenia pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10* 294 1 10.0 - 2.5 10 0 10 100.0 100.0 *One dog was negative pre-treatment but was positive for Taenia pisiformison post-treatment and was thus counted as positive pre-treatment.In this study, 2.5 mg/lb of epsiprantel eliminated 100% of the D.
caninumand T. pisiformisinfections. No adverse reactions were noted in this study. d) Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninumand/or Taenia pisiformis InfectionsA dose confirmation study in 36 random source dogs with natural Dipylidium caninumand/or Taenia pisiformisinfections was conducted by Dr. Robert Corwin. Epsiprantel was administered as a single oral dose at 2.5 mg/lb. This dosage level was compared to a non-treated control group. The results of this study are shown in Table #11 and #12.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 11 Dose confirmation - Epsiprantel Naturally Occurring Dipylidium caninum Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 10** 909 0 0 - 2.5 10* 0 10 100.0 100.0 *3 dogs were positive for both Taeniaand Dipylidium. **4 dogs were positive for Taeniaon pre-treatment but on necropsy were found to have Dipylidiumand thus were counted as positive for Dipylidiumon pre-treatment.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 12 Dose Confirmation - Epsiprantel Naturally occurring Taenia pisiformis Treatment Group No. No. No. Dogs % Dogs % (mg/lb) Dogs Parasites Cleared Cleared Efficacy 0 12* 237 1 8.3 - 2.5 14 0 14 100.0 100.0 *1 dog was positive only for Dipylidiumon pre-treatment but was found to be infected with both Taeniaand Dipylidiumon necropsy and thus were counted positive on pre-treatment.Again, 2.5 mg/lb of epsiprantel eliminated 100% of the D. caninumand T. pisiformisinfections. No adverse reactions were noted in this study. 3. Clinical Field StudyA clinical field study was initiated to determine the efficacy of epsiprantel against canine tapeworms. The study was conducted as a blind, parallel group, multi center trial wherein the test drug, epsiprantel, was compared to the active control, praziquantel.
Dogs of any age, breed and either sex with confirmed tapeworm infections were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on identification of tapeworm segments or eggs on fecal flotation.
The dosage of epsiprantel was 2.5 mg/lb. The dosage of DRONCIT (praziquantel) was that recommended in the package insert. The drugs were administered as a single treatment.
Post treatment examination was conducted 7 to 30 days following treatment. In order for the tapeworms to be considered eliminated, both the clinical observation and the fecal flotation must be negative.
A total of 17 investigators in 11 states participated in this study and are listed below:
Dr. John Paul Arnold Tyler, Texas 75701 Dr. Waybern D. Yates Raytown, MO 64133 Drs. Dean Small and James Humphrey Overland Park, KS 66204 Dr. Robert Cannon Kansas City, MO 64111 Drs. Alan Shriro & Richard Benjamin Berkeley, CA 94704 Dr. Steven Krome Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Dr. James Fish Jacksonville, FL 32210 Drs. Paul & Janis Cleland Lilburn, GA 30247 Dr. Scott Richter Marietta, GA 30062 Drs. Richard Roberts & Vernon Thornton Hanover, MA 02339 Dr. Mark Van Ness Houston, TX 77027 Dr. Lynn Buzhardt Zachary, LA 70791 Dr. Ken Acre Winter Park FL 32789 Dr. Robert Klostermann Middleton, WI 53562 Dr. Randall Herman New Hope, MN 55427 Dr. Danielle Garrison Taylorsville, MS 39168 Dr. Ken Lambrecht Madison, WI 53711A total of 252 evaluable cases was enrolled. A total of 255 tapeworms was identified during the pre-treatment examination in these 252 cases. Epsiprantel eliminated 106/108 (98%) of the D. caninumversus 120/120 (100%) for DRONCIT (praziquantel). Both drugs eliminated 100% of the Taenia pisiformis. Concurrent therapy included antibiotics, diethylcarbamazine citrate, ivermectin, insecticides, anti inflammatory, and nematocide. No drug incompatibilities were noted. B. Pivotal Studies Feline1. Dose Titration Studies
Three dose titration studies were conducted with epsiprantel tablets under the FDA guidelines for cestocides. The dosage levels used were 0, 0.625, 1.25 and 2.75 mg/lb administered orally as a single dose. All cats were necropsied according to a standard parasitological procedure. Efficacy was calculated as the percent of cats cleared using the FDA's formula published in the guidelines.
Mean # parasites in control Mean # parasites in treated X 100 = % Efficacy ___________________________ Mean # parasites n controlTwo studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of epsiprantel against Dipylidium caninumin the cat. These studies were conducted by Dr. Tom Yazwinski, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, and Dr. Alan Kocan, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. A total of 54 parasitic infections were treated. The Dipylidiumresults of these studies are presented in Table #13. (Eds. note: The following table consists of 9 columns.)
Table 13 Dipylidium caninum Dose Titration Studies Dr. Tom Yazwinski Dr. Alan Kocan University of Arkansas Oklahoma State University Fayettevill, AR Stillwater, OK Dosage (mg/lb) 0 .625 1.25 2.5 0 .625 1.25 2.5 No. Cats 8 8 7 9 4 7 5 6 No. Parasites 596 14 0 1 25 3 4 0 No. Cats Cleared 0 5 7 8 0 6 4 6 % Efficacy - 97.7 100 99.9 - 93.2 87.2 100Two studies were conducted to evaluate epsiprantel against Taenia taeniaeformis. These studies were conducted by the following two investigators: Dr. Tom Kennedy, AEF Research, Waunaukee, WI and Dr. Al Kocan, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. A total of 62 Taeniainfected cats were treated and then necropsied. The results of these studies are presented in Table #14. (Eds. note: The following table consists of 9 columns.)
Table 14 Taenia taeniaeformis Dose Titration Studies Dr. Tom Kennedy Dr. Alan Kocan AEF Research Oklahoma State University Waunakee, WI Stillwater, OK Dosage (mg/lb) 0 .625 1.25 2.5 0 .625 1.25 2.5 No. Cats 8 8 8 8 9 8 7 6 No. Parasites 73 15 1 0 35 0 0 0 No. Cats Cleared 0 2 7 8 0 8 7 6 % Efficacy - 79.5 98.6 100 - 100 100 1002. Dose Confirmation Studies Following the completion of the dose titration studies, a series of dose confirmation studies were undertaken. Epsiprantel was supplied as film coated tablets as in the dose titration studies. Four tablet concentrations were available: 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg of epsiprantel activity per tablet.Two studies were conducted according to the Agency's guidelines. The dosage level used in these studies was the previously selected optimum dose of 1.25 mg/pound administered orally one time. This dosage level was compared to a non-treatment group. All cats were necropsied following treatment utilizing a standard parasitological procedure by removal of the entire gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the rectum. The digestive tract was open and contents washed over a sieve. The mucosa was also observed for attached worms. Efficacy was calculated as percent of cats cleared and using the Agency's formula published in the guidelines.
Mean # parasites in control Mean # parasites in treated X 100 = % Efficacy ___________________________ Mean # parasites in controlAll dose confirmation studies were done in cats with natural infections. The following two investigators participated in these studies: Dr. Tom Yazwinski, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR and Dr. Alan Kocan, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Table #15 shows the results of the dose confirmation studies in cats infected with Dipylidium caninumand T. taeniaeformis.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 7 columns.)
Table 15 Dose Confirmation Studies Dipylidium caninum Taenia taeniaeformis Dr. Tom Yazwinski Dr. Alan Kocan Dr. Alan Kocan U. of AR OK State Univ. OK State Univ. Dosage (mg/lb) 0 1.25 0 1.25 0 1.25 No. Cats 10 10 5 6 8 6 No. Parasites 210 0 43 0 72 0 No. Cats Cleared 0 10 0 6 - - % Efficacy - 100 - 100 - 100During the course of these studies, 14 T. taeniaeformisinfected cats were entered into this study. Six (6) Taeniacats were treated with 1.25 mg/lb of epsiprantel. Eight (8) cats served as non-treated controls. The results of these studies are presented in Table #15. 3. Clinical Field StudyA clinical field study was initiated to determine the efficacy of epsiprantel against feline tapeworms. The study was conducted as a blind, parallel group, multi-center trial wherein the test drug, epsiprantel, was compared to the active control, praziquantel.
Cats of any age, breed and either sex with confirmed tapeworm infections were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on identification of tapeworm segments or eggs on fecal flotation.
The dosage of epsiprantel was 1.25 mg/lb. The dosage of DRONCIT (praziquantel) was that recommended in the package insert. The drugs were administered as a single treatment.
Post-treatment examination was conducted 7 to 30 days following treatment. In order for the tapeworms to be considered eliminated, both the clinical observation and the fecal flotation must be negative.
A total of 17 investigators in 9 states participated in this study and are listed below:
Dr. Ken Acre Winter Park, FL 32789 Dr. John Paul Arnold Tyler, Texas 75701 Dr. Lynn Buzhardt Zachary, LA 70791 Drs. Richard M. Coe, Jr. & Susan Coe Charlotte, NC 28205 Dr. Thomas H. Elston Boston, MASS 02215 Dr. James W. Eubanks Winston Salem, NC 27104 Dr. James Fish Jacksonville, FL 32210 Dr. R. E. Killough Charlotte, NC 28211 Dr. Steven Krome Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Dr. Robert Neunzig Gastonia, NC 28052 Dr. Scott Richter Marietta, GA 30062 Dr. Don S. Robertson Winston Salem, NC 27106 Dr. Arthur C. Seale Shreveport, LA 71105 Dr. David K. Selleck Fayetteville, GA 30214 Dr. David Thompson Asheville, NC 28804 Dr. Mark Van Ness Houston, TX 77027 Dr. Waybern D. Yates Raytown, MO 64133A total of 225 evaluable cases was enrolled. A total of 226 tapeworms was identified during the pre-treatment examination in these 225 cases. Epsiprantel eliminated 100% (83/83) of the D. caninumas did DRONCIT (praziquantel) (102/102). Both drugs eliminated 100% of the Taeniaidentified.Concurrent therapy included antibiotics, vaccines, insecticides, and tranquilizers/anesthetics. No drug incompatibilities were noted.
C. Corroborative Studies - Feline
1. Dose Titration Studies
Two dose titration studies were conducted with epsiprantel tablets under the FDA guidelines for cestocides. The dosage levels used were 0, 0.625, 1.25 and 2.75 mg/lb administered orally as a single dose. All cats were necropsied according to a standard parasitological procedure. Efficacy was calculated as the percent of cats cleared using the FDA's formula published in the guidelines.
Mean # parasites in control - Mean # parasites in treated X 100 = % Efficacy ___________________________ Mean # parasites in controlTwo studies were conducted to evaluate epsiprantel against Taenia taeniaeformis. These studies were conducted by the following investigators: Dr. Tom Yazwinski, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR and Dr. Dan Moncol, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. A total of 20 Taeniainfected cats were treated and then necropsied. These results of these studies are presented in Table #16. (Eds. note: The following table consists of 9 columns.)
Table 16 Dose Titration Studies Taenia Taeniaeformis Dr. Tom Yazwinski Dr. Dan Moncol University of Arkansas N. Carolina State University Fayetteville, AR Raleigh, NC Dosage (mg/lb) 0 .625 1.25 2.5 0 .625 1.25 2.5 No. Cats 5 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 No. Parasites 30 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 No. Cats Cleared 0 1 4 2 0 2 2 2 % Efficacy - 100 100 100 - 100 100 1002. Dose Confirmation Studies Following the completion of the dose titration studies, a series of dose confirmation studies were undertaken, Epsiprantel was supplied as film coated tablets as in the dose titration studies. Four tablet concentrations were available: 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg of epsiprantel activity per tablet.Three studies were conducted according to the Agency's guidelines. The dosage level used in these studies was the previously selected optimum dose of 1.25 mg/pound administered orally one time. This dosage level was compared to a non-treatment group. All cats were necropsied following treatment utilizing a standard parasitological procedure by removal of the entire gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the rectum. The digestive tract was open and contents washed over a sieve. The mucosa was also observed for attached worms. Efficacy was calculated as percent of cats cleared and using the Agency's formula published in the guidelines.
Mean # parasites in control Mean # parasites in treated X 100 = Efficacy ___________________________ Mean # parasites in controlAll three dose confirmation studies were done in cats with natural infections. The following three investigators participated in these studies: Dr. Tom Yazwinski, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR; Drs. Smith and Malone, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; and Dr. Tom Kennedy, AEF Research, Waunakee, WI. Table #17 shows the results of the dose confirmation studies in cats infected with Dipylidium caninum.(Eds. note: The following table consists of 5 columns.)
Table 17 Dose Confirmation Studies Dipylidium Caninum Drs. Smith Drs. T. Kennedy & Malone & Poster LA State U. AEF Research Dosage (mg/lb) 0 1.25 0 1.25 No. Cats 3 4 3 2 No. Parasites 64 0 106 1 No. Cats Cleared 0 4 0 1 % Efficacy - 100 - 98.6During the course of these studies, 17 T. taeniaeformisinfected cats were entered into this study. Seven (7) Taeniacats were treated with 1.25 mg/lb of epsiprantel. Ten (10) cats served as non-treated controls. The results of these studies are presented in Table #18. (Eds. note: The following table consists of 7 columns.)
Table 18 Taenia Taeniaeformis Dose Confirmation Studies Dr. Tom Drs. Smith Drs. T. Kennedy Yazwinski* & Malone & Poster Univ. of AR LA State U. AEF Research Dosage (mg/lb) 0 1.25 0 1.25 0 1.25 No. Cats 5 1 4 4 1 2 No. Parasites 32 0 10 0 4 0 No. Cats Cleared 0 1 1 4 0 2 % Efficacy - 100 - 100 - 100 *Three cats were negative pre-treatment but were positive with T. taeniaeformison post-treatment. Thus, these were counted as positive pre-treatment.3. European Non Terminal Dose Titration Studies: Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Walton Oaks, England
A non-terminal study was conducted in England under the direction of Dr. Ian Hood in 55 cats with natural Dipylidium caninuminfections and experimentally induced with Taenia taeniaeformis.Epsiprantel was administered as a powder in gelatin capsules at dosages ranging from 0.23 to 13.64 mg/lb. The drug was considered to have cestocidal activity if the animal stopped passing gravid segments in their feces (9-10 days post-treatment). It is recognized that non-terminal studies are useful but cannot be relied upon for proof of complete efficacy. Bearing this in mind, the following results were obtained:(Eds. note: The following table consists of 7 columns.)
Table 19 Dose Titration Studies - Screening Clinical Efficacy - Non Terminal Studies Natural & Experimentally Induced Dipylidium caninum Taenia taeniaeformis Dose # Cats # Cats % Cats # Cats # Cats % Cats mg/lb Infected Cleared Cleared Infected Cleared Cleared 0.23 10 5 50 10 5 50 0.45 20 16 80 20 19 95 1.14 20 19 95 20 19 95 2.27 1 1 100 1 1 100 4.55 - - - 1 1 100 13.64 - - - 2 2 1004. European Terminal Dose titration Screening Studies: A dose titration study was conducted by administering a single oral dose of epsiprantel capsule to 20 naturally infected D. caninumcats which were experimentally infected with T. taeniaeformis. Cats were randomly allocated to treatment groups. The dose of epsiprantel was calculated and placed in a capsule. Cats had a routine parasitic necropsy examination three to four days after treatment. This necropsy date is shorter that the USA guideline calls for but the mucosa was scrapped off and together with washing from the intestinal tract was washed through a 600 ¡m sieve. The retained debris was then examined under a dissecting microscope at X10 magnification. The Dipylidiumresults are present in Table #20 and the Taeniaresults in Table #21.Table #20 shows that all three dose levels of epsiprantel eliminated all the Dipylidiumin these cats.
(Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 20 Controlled Tests with Epsiprantel against Dipylidium Caninumin Cats Walton Oaks, England Total No. Dose No. Cats D. caninum % Treatment mg/lb Pos. Neg Retained Efficacy Control 0 4 0 29 -- Epsiprantel 1.14 4 4 0 100 Epsiprantel 2.27 4 4 0 100 Epsiprantel 3.41 4 4 0 100 Praziquantel 2.27 4 4 0 100Table #21 presents the results for the Taenia taeniaeformisin this study. One cat in the 1.14 mg/lb. and 3.41 mg/lb. groups each had one Taeniaworm at necropsy. The control had 28 parasites. (Eds. note: The following table consists of 6 columns.)
Table 21 Controlled Tests with Epsiprantel against Taenia Taeniaeformisin Cats Walton Oaks, England Total No. Dose No. Cats T. taeniaeformis % Treatment mg/lb Pos. Neg. Retained Efficacy* Control 0 4 0 28 --- Epsiprantel 1.14 4 3 1 96.4 Epsiprantel 2.27 4 4 0 100 Epsiprantel 3.41 4 3 1 96.4 Praziquantel 2.27 4 4 0 100 *Number Tapes in Controls minus number in treated group divided by Number Tapes in Controls X 100No adverse reactions were noted during this study. Epsiprantel had no apparent effect on T. cati.
A. Pivotal Studies - CanineVI. Human Safety:1. Target Species Toxicity Study
The objective of this study was to observe any toxic effects of epsiprantel tablets when administered orally to young dogs. This study was conducted by Dr. Abbott S. D'Ver, White Eagle Laboratories, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Twelve male and twelve female 5-6 month old beagles were used. Prior to treatment, the dogs were randomized into four groups, each consisting of three males and three females.
This study was an open evaluation of epsiprantel tablets utilizing three dosage levels and a control group. The drug was administered orally for three days at a dose rate of 2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 mg/lb. The following were evaluated: general clinical parameters. hematology, blood chemistry, gross and microscopic lesion. Twenty-four hours after the third dose, one-half of the dogs were necropsied. The remainder was necropsied 48 hours after the last dose.
No abnormal values considered related to the test drug were obtained in regard to body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, food consumption and general appearance.
Hematology and blood chemistries did not reveal any drug related
differences between the test and control dogs. No gross or microscopic lesions related to epsiprantel were detected.2. Repeat Dose Toxicity in Dogs
A 14 day repeat dose study in dogs was conducted by Dr. Cockburn, Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Division, Essex, England. Epsiprantel was administered orally to dogs at dose levels of 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Physical symptoms were limited to isolated occurrence of emesis at all dose levels. Food intake was unaffected by treatment but body weight gain was increased in females at all dose levels. Hematology and blood chemistry changes consisted of increased alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced total white blood cell counts at the high dose level. Reduced lymphocyte counts in females only were noted in the 100 and 500 mg/kg/day group. A low incidence of slight proteinuria was detected at the intermediate and high dose levels. Organ weight variations consisted of increased liver weights in two of the four high dose dogs, increased pituitary weight in one of the two females at the intermediate and high dose levels. Histopathology revealed no significant findings.
B. Corroborative Studies Canine
1. Canine Tolerance Studies
Single dose oral tolerance studies with epsiprantel were conducted by Dr. B.R. Manger, Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Division, ENGLAND.
A single oral dose of 100 mg/kg produced no overt toxicity in 7 to 10 week old beagle puppies, nor in an adult collie. Similarly, no toxic side effects were detected in adult dogs given a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg. No drug related changes in SGPT, SGOT and BUN were noted in blood samples from dogs dosed at 200 mg/kg.
2. Repeat Dose Toxicity in Puppies
A three day repeat dose toxicity study in dogs was conducted by Dr. Abbott D'Ver. Epsiprantel was administered orally to seven week old puppies for three consecutive days at a dose of 7.5 mg/lb. No clinical symptoms or effects on body weight were noted during the study. No drug related differences between the test and control dogs were detected in the hematology and blood chemistries. No gross or histopathologic lesions related to the drug were detected.
3. Greyhound Safety Study
Epsiprantel tablets were administered orally to greyhounds for three consecutive days at a dosage of 7.5 mg/lb. This study was conducted by Dr. Ken Acre, Winter Park, Florida.
Clinical evaluation revealed no adverse effect on feed consumption, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, general appearance, fecal consistency and body weight.
Hematology and blood chemistries revealed no drug related effects.
C. Pivotal Studies - Feline
1. Target Species Toxicity Study
The objective of this study was to observe any toxic effects of epsiprantel tablets when administered orally to young cats. This study was conducted by Dr. Abbott S. D'Ver, White Eagle Laboratories, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Twelve male and twelve female 4-5 month old cats were used. Prior to treatment, the cats were randomized into four groups, each consisting of three males and three females.
This study was an open evaluation of epsiprantel tablets utilizing three dosage levels and a control group. The drug was administered orally for three days at a dose rate of 1.25, 3.75 and 6.25 mg/lb. The following parameters evaluated: general clinical parameters, hematology, blood chemistry, gross and microscopic lesions. Twenty-four hours after the third dose, one half of the cats were necropsied. The remainder was necropsied 48 hours after the last dose.
No abnormal values considered related to the test drug were obtained in regard to general clinical parameters, hematology and blood chemistries. No gross or microscopic lesions related to epsiprantel were detected.
2. Feline Tolerance Studies
Single and repeat oral tolerance studies with epsiprantel were conducted by Dr. David Wishart, Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Division, ENGLAND.
A single oral dose of 0.5 to 30 mg/kg produced no overt toxicity. At a single dose of 50 mg/kg one of five kittens vomited two hours after treatment and displayed trembling for two hours. At 100 mg/kg, two out of 13 animals vomited within a day of treatment.
In the repeat dose study, six cats received epsiprantel at 50 or 100 mg/kg daily for four consecutive days. No ill effects were noted in these cats.
A. Human Safety Relative to Food Consumption:VII. Agency Conclusions:Data on human safety pertaining to consumption of drug residues in food were not required for approval of this NADA. This product is labeled for use in dogs and cats only, which are non-food animals.
B. Human Safety Relative to Possession, Handling and Administration:
A warning statement pertaining to the safety of this drug product in humans has been included in the labeling for this product. The statement is
WARNING: For use in dogs ( and cats, on the 12.5 mg label) only. Keep out of reach of children. Not for use in humans.
The data submitted in support of this NADA comply with the requirements of Section 512 of the Act and Section 514.111 of the implementing regulations. The data demonstrated that epsiprantel tablets, when used under the labeled conditions of use, is safe and effective for the removal of Dipylidium caninumand Taenia pisiformisfrom dogs and the removal of Dipylidium caninumand Taenia taeniaeformisfrom cats.VIII. Labelling:Because safety of this drug has not been established for use in pregnant or breeding animal, it is not safe for use except under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Therefore, epsiprantel is approved as a veterinary prescription drug.
1) Cestex® Package Insert
2) Cestex® Package Insert
3) Cestex® Package label 12.5 mg
4) Cestex® Package label 25 mg
5) Cestex® Package label 50 mg
6) Cestex® Package label 100 mgCopies of these labels may be obtained by writing to the:
Freedom of Information Office
Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA
7500 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855