Most Dewormers Miss Tapeworms Completely — Equimax Does Not
Ivermectin alone does not kill tapeworms. Neither do most standard rotation dewormers. Tapeworm infections are more common than most horse owners realize — and left untreated, they are one of the leading contributing factors to ileocecal colic.
Equimax combines ivermectin with praziquantel in a single dose to remove and control tapeworms alongside all major parasites, including bots — no second product required.
Your Dewormer Probably Misses Tapeworms
Standard ivermectin paste dewormers — the staple of most rotation programs — have zero efficacy against tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata). Tapeworms live at the ileocecal junction and are associated with spasmodic colic, ileal impaction, and intussusception at that site. A horse on a regular ivermectin rotation can still carry a significant tapeworm burden because the rotation never addresses that parasite class.
Tapeworm Burden Builds Silently Until a Colic Episode Makes It Visible
Unlike large and small strongyles that produce measurable fecal egg counts, tapeworms are not reliably detected by standard fecal egg count testing. A horse can appear to have a well-managed parasite program on paper while carrying a substantial tapeworm population at the ileocecal junction. The first sign of the problem is often a colic episode — by which point the management window has been missed for months or years. The fix is simple: use a praziquantel-containing product at least once a year, ideally in fall after the bot egg season ends.
- ✗Standard ivermectin pastes have zero efficacy against tapeworms
- ✗Tapeworms are not detected by routine fecal egg count testing — you cannot see the problem building
- ✗Tapeworm burden at the ileocecal junction is associated with spasmodic and ileal colic
- ✗Using two separate dewormer products for tapeworms and bots doubles your cost and adds a dose event
Equimax: One Tube Covers Tapeworms, Bots, and All Major Parasites
Equimax combines FDA-approved ivermectin with praziquantel — the only drug class with proven efficacy against equine tapeworms — in a single syringe. One fall dose removes and controls large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, hairworms, large-mouth stomach worms, bots, lungworms, intestinal threadworms, and tapeworms. Safe for foals and pregnant mares. No second product needed for the tapeworm and bot portion of your fall deworming rotation.
100% Effective Against Tapeworms
Praziquantel is 100% effective against equine tapeworms — the parasite your ivermectin-only rotation misses every cycle.
Removes and Controls Bots
Ivermectin component removes and controls bot fly larvae (Gasterophilus spp.) — making fall the single best time for this combination dose.
Safe for Foals and Mares
FDA-approved for use in foals as young as four weeks and in pregnant and lactating mares without restriction.
One Tube, Complete Coverage
Covers 13 parasite species including tapeworms — eliminating the need for a second product in your fall rotation.
What Riders Are Saying
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My vet recommended Equimax for my spring and fall tapeworm treatments after my older gelding had a colic episode that was traced back to tapeworm burden. One dose handles tapeworms and bots in the same tube. I use it twice a year as part of my rotation and my vet is satisfied with the fecal egg counts we're seeing.
""
I manage a herd of eight and deworm strategically based on fecal egg counts. Equimax is my go-to for the fall tapeworm rotation because it covers everything in one product. The dosing is straightforward, the horses accept it well, and at this price point it's the most cost-effective broad-spectrum tube on the market.
""
I appreciate that this is FDA-approved and the praziquantel level is high enough to actually be effective against tapeworms, unlike some combination products that underdose. My mare has been on a strategic deworming program for three years and Equimax is part of every fall rotation.
"How We Stack Up
| Feature | Schneiders Equimax (ivermectin + praziquantel) | Zimecterin (ivermectin only) | Quest Plus (moxidectin + praziquantel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kills tapeworms | yes | no | yes |
| Removes and controls bots | yes | yes | yes |
| Controls large strongyles | yes | yes | yes |
| Controls small strongyles | yes | yes | yes |
| Safe for foals 4+ weeks | yes | yes | no |
| Safe for pregnant mares | yes | yes | partial |
| Single-tube tapeworm + bot dose | yes | no | yes |
| FDA-approved combination | yes | yes | yes |
| Under $20 price point | yes | yes | no |
| 78-year retailer backing | yes | no | no |
The Ivermectin + Praziquantel Combination That Closes the Tapeworm Gap
Equimax is an FDA-approved paste dewormer combining ivermectin (1.87%) and praziquantel (14.03%) at levels proven effective in clinical trials against equine tapeworms. The praziquantel concentration in Equimax is designed for complete tapeworm removal, not a partial reduction. The apple-flavored paste is accepted well by most horses without mixing into feed. Weight-based dosing via the marked plunger allows accurate dosing for horses from 250 lbs to 1,250 lbs. Ideal addition to a strategic deworming program: use at fall bot egg kill time to address bots, tapeworms, and all other major parasites in a single event.
- ✓FDA-approved ivermectin and praziquantel combination at therapeutic levels
- ✓100% effective against tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata)
- ✓Removes and controls bots, large and small strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, and more
- ✓Safe for foals as young as 4 weeks and pregnant or lactating mares
- ✓Weight-based dosing via marked plunger — accurate for 250 to 1,250 lb horses
What You Get
