For veterinary use only
Ekopen (EKOPEN)
Injectable suspension
Veterinary systemic antibacterial preparation
Composition:
Ekopen injectable suspension is a yellowish-white injectable suspension containing 200 mg of benzylpenicillin procaine and 250 mg of dihydrostreptomycin sulfate per 1 ml.
Pharmacological properties
ATC Veterinary code: QJ01RA01
Pharmacotherapeutic group: systemic antibacterial agent
Pharmacodynamic properties
Penicillin G is a beta-lactam antibiotic containing thiazolidine and beta-lactam rings. Beta-lactams act by inhibiting bacterial cell wall development and peptidoglycan synthesis at the final stage of susceptible Gram-positive bacteria growth. It inhibits the transpeptidase enzyme, causing lysis of developing cells.
Dihydrostreptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic effective against Gram-negative bacteria. It binds to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, causing misreading of mRNA and bacteriostasis. Aminoglycosides have a synergistic effect with beta-lactams.
Pharmacokinetic properties
After injection, procaine penicillin is rapidly absorbed from the injection site, reaching peak levels approximately 2 hours after administration (1–2 µg/ml in horses, sheep, and pigs; 0.5 µg/ml in cattle).
Penicillin half-life: sheep and pigs ~2 hours, cattle ~5 hours, horses ~11 hours.
Dihydrostreptomycin is absorbed similarly, reaching plasma peak concentrations ~23 µg/ml in pigs and cattle, and 15 µg/ml in horses. Half-life: cattle, sheep, pigs ~2 hours, horses ~4 hours.
Indications
For treatment of infections caused by penicillin- and dihydrostreptomycin-sensitive bacteria in cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, and cats affecting respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, and soft tissues:
Dosage and administration
Shake well before use. Intended for deep intramuscular injection.
Cattle, sheep, horses: Benzylpenicillin procaine 8 mg/kg and dihydrostreptomycin sulfate 10 mg/kg body weight (~1 ml per 25 kg body weight), once daily for 3 days. Maximum volume per injection site: cattle 6 ml, horses 15 ml, sheep 3 ml.
Dogs, cats: Benzylpenicillin procaine 8–20 mg/kg and dihydrostreptomycin sulfate 10–25 mg/kg, ~0.5 ml per 5 kg body weight, once daily for 3–5 days.
Special clinical information and warnings:
Use with caution in animals with kidney or functional disorders. Do not exceed recommended doses. Not for use in rabbits or small rodents. Therapy should ideally be based on bacterial sensitivity testing.
Pregnancy and lactation: Safety not established; use only under veterinary supervision weighing benefits vs risks.
Side effects:
Transient local reactions at injection site. Rare allergic reactions to penicillin (from mild swelling to anaphylaxis). Prolonged use may affect hearing, balance, or kidney function. Dihydrostreptomycin may cause seizures or breathing difficulties.
Drug interactions:
Do not use with other aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, pentobarbital, inhalation anesthetics, neuromuscular blockers, diuretics, heparin, calcium gluconate, riboflavin, triamcinolone, or sulfonamides.
Overdose symptoms and antidote:
Dihydrostreptomycin overdose: muscle weakness, respiratory arrest. Procaine overdose: seizures, hypotension, psychosis. Horses are most sensitive. Partial neutralization with calcium or neostigmine possible.
Withdrawal periods:
Cattle: meat and offal 35 days; milk 72 hours
Sheep: meat and offal 35 days; milk not for human consumption
Contraindications:
Do not use in animals sensitive to beta-lactams.
General precautions:
Read instructions before use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid accidental self-injection; seek medical help if it occurs. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage conditions:
Store in original packaging, do not freeze, above 25°C. Shelf life: 24 months; after opening: 28 days.
Disposal of unused products:
Dispose of any unused product according to national regulations for pharmaceutical waste.
Commercial packaging:
Amber glass bottles: 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml in cardboard boxes.
Sales conditions:
Available in veterinary clinics and hospitals with veterinary prescription.
Approval dates:
Information sheet approved: 02.02.2023
Marketing authorization: 22.06.2009-021/066
Marketing authorization holder: BAVET Ilaç San. Tic. A.S., Tuzla/İstanbul, Turkey
Manufacturer: ARİON ILAÇ SAN. TIC. A.S., Tuzla/İstanbul, Turkey
