Halofuginone Lactate oral solution is indicated for use in newborn calves for the management of diarrhoea.

INDICATIONS

• Prevention of diarrhoea: For use on farms with a known history of cryptosporidiosis, administration should begin within the first 24 to 48 hours of age, before the onset of clinical signs.
• Reduction of diarrhoea: For calves already affected, administration must start within 24 hours of the onset of diarrhoea.
• Always administer after feeding a full meal of colostrum, milk, or milk replacer; do not use on an empty stomach due to potential toxicity.
• Not for use in calves where diarrhoea has been established for more than 24 hours or in animals that are weak or dehydrated. 

ADMINISTRATION

• Target Species: Primarily newborn calves, though it has also shown efficacy in lambs and goat kids.
• Administration: It is an oral solution (e.g., brand names like Halocur® or Halagon®) administered daily for seven consecutive days.
• Dosage: The recommended dose is typically 100 µg of halofuginone base per kg of body weight, administered after feeding.
• Timing:
  • Prevention: Treatment should start within the first 24 to 48 hours of age, on farms with a history of the infection.
  • Treatment: For existing diarrhea, administration should begin within 24 hours after the onset of diarrhea.
• Mechanism: Halofuginone is mainly active on the free stages (sporozoite and merozoite) of the C. parvum parasite and helps the calf develop immunity.
• Effectiveness: It is effective in reducing the severity of diarrhea and minimizing environmental contamination from oocyst shedding. 
• Administer After Feeding Only: It must never be given on an empty stomach, as this can cause toxicity.
• Strict Dosage: The therapeutic window is narrow; side effects like bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and apathy can occur at doses just twice the recommended amount.
• Not for Ill/Dehydrated Calves: It should not be used in calves that are already ill, dehydrated, or have had diarrhea for more than 24 hours.