Product Description

Karidox 500 mg/g Soluble Powder is indicated for the treatment of clinical respiratory infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Susceptibility testing of bacteria isolated from the animal is recommended before initiating therapy; where this is not possible, therapy should be based on local epidemiological information about bacterial susceptibility.

For Pigs (for fattening):

• Treatment of clinical respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strains susceptible to doxycycline
• Treatment of clinical respiratory infections caused by Pasteurella multocida strains susceptible to doxycycline

For Chickens (broilers and for reproduction):

• Treatment of clinical respiratory infections associated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum susceptible to doxycycline
• Use should be based on susceptibility testing; high resistance rates of E. coli against tetracyclines have been documented in chickens

For Turkeys (for meat production and reproduction):

• Treatment of clinical respiratory infections associated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum susceptible to doxycycline
• Bacteriological sampling and susceptibility testing are recommended due to variability in resistance occurrence

Which Animals Can Use Karidox 500 mg/g Soluble Powder?

Karidox 500 mg/g Soluble Powder is licensed for use in pigs (for fattening), chickens, and turkeys only. It must not be used in animals with hepatic dysfunction or in animals known to be hypersensitive to tetracyclines. It must not be given to laying birds or within four weeks before the start of laying. Always use only under the direction of your vet.

Available Strengths & Sizes

Please order the specific strength and pack size as directed on your veterinary prescription.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Please confirm availability at time of ordering.

Directions for Use

This is a prescription medication and must be used exactly as directed by your veterinary surgeon. Dosage is calculated according to the body weight of the animals and the condition being treated, and is administered via drinking water for 5 consecutive days. Refer to the dispensing label or product datasheet for full preparation and dosing instructions. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration of treatment.

Contraindications

Source: SPC Section 3.3

• Do not use in animals with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance (doxycycline) or to any of the excipients (citric acid, lactose monohydrate)
• Do not use in animals with hepatic dysfunction
• Do not use in birds in lay or within 4 weeks before the start of the laying period
• Use in pregnant or lactating sows is not recommended — safety has not been established in this population
• Do not use when tetracycline resistance has been detected in the herd or flock due to the potential for cross-resistance

Storage & Handling

Store below 25°C. Keep out of reach of children and animals at all times. Once the immediate packaging has been opened, use within 3 months. Medicated drinking water prepared according to directions should be used within 24 hours; any unused medicated water should be discarded. Medicated water must not be prepared or stored in metal containers.

Withdrawal periods:

• Pigs: meat and offal — 4 days
• Chickens: meat and offal — 5 days
• Turkeys: meat and offal — 12 days
• Not for use in birds producing or intended to produce eggs for human consumption

Important Warnings

Source: SPC Sections 3.4 & 3.5

• People with known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines should avoid contact with this product
• During preparation and administration, avoid direct skin contact, eye contact, mucous membrane contact, and inhalation of dust particles
• Personal protective equipment must be worn when handling: protective gloves (rubber or latex), goggles, and an appropriate dust mask conforming to EN 149 or EN 140/EN 143 standards
• Wash exposed skin after preparation; in case of accidental eye contact, rinse abundantly with water
• Do not smoke, eat, or drink when handling the product
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician; inflammation of the face, lips or eyes or respiratory difficulties are serious signs requiring urgent medical attention
• The safety of this product has not been established in piglets before weaning
• Avoid administration in oxidised drinking equipment — doxycycline may precipitate in alkaline solutions
• Under-dosing or insufficient treatment duration promotes the development of antimicrobial resistance and should be avoided
• Due to the potential for cross-resistance, do not use in herds or flocks where tetracycline resistance has been confirmed
• A high resistance rate of E. coli isolated from chickens against tetracyclines has been documented; use for E. coli infections in chickens only after susceptibility testing
• Doxycycline increases the action of anticoagulants — use with caution where concurrent anticoagulant therapy is being administered
• Do not administer concurrently with antacids, kaolin, iron preparations, or feed overloaded with polyvalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺) — allow 1–2 hours between administration
• Do not administer in conjunction with bactericidal antibiotics such as beta-lactams
• Medication should be combined with good management practices (hygiene, ventilation, appropriate stocking density) as eradication of target pathogens may not be achieved by treatment alone

POM-V Prescription Notice

This product is a Prescription Only Medicine — Veterinary (POM-V). It may only be supplied by a veterinary surgeon or, when prescribed by a veterinary surgeon, by a pharmacist or SQP. A valid veterinary prescription is required before this product can be dispensed.

MA Number: Vm 31223/4001