The Difference in Wormers - Knowing one from the other can help in keeping your horse healthy.

Listed below are descriptions of different chemical classes of equine dewormers. Each describes how that chemical class affects parasites and which brand names are associated with it.

Remember, all of the molecules within the same chemical class work in similar ways. Therefore, it is critical that you rotate not only between brand names, but between chemical classes in order to create a truly effective deworming program for your horse. This practice will help reduce the chances of developed resistance in parasites, as well as to maximize the best attributes of each chemical compound.

BENZIMIDAZOLES: Kills parasites quickly and offers broad spectrum nematode protection, including large stongyles, small strongyles, ascarids and pinworms.

Brand Names: Anthelcide EQ (oxibendazole), Panacur Powerpac (fenbendazole), Safe-Guard (fenbendazole), Benzelmin (oxfendazole)

PYRANTELS: Kill parasites slowly by causing paralysis in a broad spectrum of nematodes, such as large and small strongyles, ascarids and pinworms.

Brand Names: Strongid Paste (pyrantel pamoate), Strongid C (pyrantel tartrate), Strongid C 2X (pyrantel tartrate), Continuex Daily Dewormer (pyrantel tartrate), Rotation 2 (pyrantel pamoate), Equi Aid CW (pyrantel tartrate), Strongyle Wormer (pyrantel tartrate), Manna Pro Foal & Horse Pelleted Wormer (pyrantel tartrate), Nu-Image Guardian (pyrantel tartrate).

MACROCYCLIC LACTONES: Causes paralysis in parasites, including a broad spectrum of nematodes and arthropods. It affects large and small strongyles, benzimidazole-resistant small strongyles, ascarids, pinworms, bots and summer sore-causing parasites.