SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Rotating Dewormer Classes

Rotating Classes



All dewormers are not alike. Each dewormer has an active ingredient (chemical) to control parasites in your horse. These chemicals fall into one of three different “classes,” and each controls different parasite species. When rotating dewormers, you need to rotate classes, not just the brand name or the chemicals within each class, otherwise certain parasite species may continue to flourish in your horse despite your best efforts.



Below is a chart of the three classes and the chemicals in each. For information on the various parasites each chemical controls, talk to your veterinarian and refer to dewormer product labels. Because they are considered drugs, equine dewormers—and their label claims—are highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Class Chemicals
Macrocyclic lactoneivermectin
moxidectin
Pyrimidinepyrantel tartrate
pyrantel pamoate
Benzimidazoleoxibendazole
oxifendazole
fenbendazole
Additionally, praziquantel for the control of tapeworms in horses is now available in some dewormers.

Download the full dewormer chemical classes chart >>

Back to Managing Your Deworming Program >>

View Comments

Recent Posts

An Overview of White Line Disease

It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…

14 hours ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: My Man Ira

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 day ago

Riding Lipizzaners in Hungary

Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…

2 days ago

How Horses Helped Two Boys with ADHD

During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…

3 days ago

Adopting a Companion Horse

When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…

4 days ago

Emergency and Natural Disaster Preparedness with Horses

Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…

1 week ago