Elephant specific information, if available, is in blue.

Chemistry – A synthetic prostaglandin of the F class, cloprostenol sodium  occurs as a white or almost white, amorphous, hygroscopic powder. It is freely soluble in water and alcohol. Potency of the commercially available product is expressed in terms of cloprostenol.

Storage/Stability/Compatibility – Cloprostenol sodium should be stored at room temperature (15-30°C); protect from light.

Pharmacology – Prostaglandin Falpha and its analogues cloprostenol and fluprostenol are powerful luteolytic agents. They cause rapid regression of the corpus luteum and arrest its secretory activity. These prostaglandins also have direct stimulating effect on uterine smooth muscle caus­ing contraction and a relaxant effect on the cervix.

In normally cycling animals, estrus will generally occur 2-5 days after treatment. In pregnant cattle treated between 10-150 days of gestation, abortion will usually occur 2-3 days after injection.

Uses/Indications – Cloprostenol (Estrumate® —Miles) is approved for use in beef or dairy cattle to induce luteolysis. It is recommended by the manufacturer for unobserved or undetected estrus in cows cycling normally, pyometra or chronic endometritis, expulsion of mummified fetus, luteal cysts, induced abortions after mismating and to schedule estrus and ovulation for controlled breeding.

Pharmacokinetics – No information was located on the pharmacokinetics of cloprostenol.

Contraindications/Precautions – Cloprostenol is contraindicated in pregnant animals when abortion or induced parturition is not desired.

Adverse Effects/Warnings – The manufacturer does not list any adverse effects for this product when used as labeled. If used after the 5th month of gestation, increased risk of dystocia and decreased efficacy occur.

Do not administer IV.

Women of child-bearing age, persons with asthma or other respiratory diseases should use extreme caution when handling cloprostenol as the drug may induce abortion or acute bronchoconstriction. Cloprostenol is readily absorbed through the skin and must be washed off immediately with soap and water.

Overdosage – The manufacturer states that at doses of 50 and 100 times those recommended, cattle may show symptoms of uneasiness, slight frothing and milk let-down.

Overdoses of cloprostenol or other synthetic prostaglandin F₂alpha analogs in small animals reportedly can result in shock and death.

Drug Interactions – Other oxytocic agents’ activity may be enhanced by cloprostenol.

Doses –

Horses:

To cause abortion prior to the twelfth day of gestation:

a)   100 micrograms IM, most effective day 7 or 8 post estrus. Mare will usually return to estrus within 5 days. (Lofstedt 1986)

Client Information – Cloprostenol should be used by individuals familiar with its use and precautions. Pregnant women, asthmatics or other persons with bronchial diseases should handle this product with extreme caution. Any accidental exposure to skin should be washed off imme­diately.

Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times –

Veterinary-Approved Products:

Cloprostenol Sodium Injection Equiv. to 250 micrograms/ml cloprostenol in 10 ml or 20 ml vials; Estrumate® (Bayer); (Rx)  Approved for use in beef and dairy cattle. No preslaughter withdrawal nor milk withdrawal is required; no specific tolerance for cloprostenol residues have been published.

Human-Approved Products: None