The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic moxidectin oral drench for the treatment and control of internal parasites in sheep.
Moxidectin Oral Drench for Sheep contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name product, Cydectin Oral Drench for Sheep, which was originally approved in 2005. FDA determined the new generic product is bioequivalent to the brand-name version, meaning it delivers the same effectiveness and safety profile.
The treatment is designed to combat internal parasites in sheep by paralyzing the parasites’ muscles and nervous systems, preventing them from feeding, moving, or reproducing. The parasites are then eliminated from the animal’s body.
The product will be available over the counter in one-liter and four-liter bottles. The labeled dosage calls for administering one milliliter per 11 pounds of body weight, providing a dose level of 0.2 milligrams of moxidectin per kilogram of body weight.
FDA noted that sheep treated with the product must not be slaughtered for human consumption within seven days of treatment. In addition, the drench should not be used in female sheep producing milk for human consumption because a milk withdrawal period has not been established.
The approval provides sheep producers with a new lower-cost generic option for parasite control as internal parasite management continues to be an important part of flock health and productivity.
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FDA – 2026
