Overview of Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats

Mar. 23, 2023

Praziquantel, an anthelmintic for humans and animals, specifically treats tapeworms and trematodes. It is particularly effective against Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma chinensis and Schistosoma mansoni. Praziquantel is on the World Health Organization's list of essential drugs and is one of the most important drugs for basic public health in the world.

Praziquantel is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Veterinary formulations: Droncit® (Bayer), Drontal® (Bayer), Drontal Plus® (Bayer) and can be used in combination with other antiparasitic drugs.

Uses

The primary use of praziquantel is to control and eliminate tapeworm infections in dogs and cats.
Due to the large number and variety of parasites that can infect pets, control of parasitic diseases often requires the use of multiple drugs. Praziquantel is a parasite control drug that is highly active against a number of different tapeworms.
The most common form of tapeworm ( Dipylidium ) in dogs and cats is transmitted between pets by fleas. The less common forms (tapeworms and echinococcosis) are acquired by hunting and ingesting host animals, such as rabbits that carry these worms.
Praziquantel is particularly effective against tapeworms. It impairs the function of the parasite's suckers and stimulates the movement of the worms. This removes the parasite's attachment to the intestine and allows it to be removed in the feces (manure).

Possible Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and weakness
Dizziness
Itching or hives

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It is important to note that these side effects are usually mild and transient. However, if you observe any severe or prolonged symptoms after using praziquantel, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Prophylaxis

It should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity to it.
Praziquantel should be used with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease, as their ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug may be reduced.
Fecal examination is recommended prior to treatment to confirm the presence of tapeworms and to determine the appropriate dose.

Dosing Information for Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats

Do not administer medication without first consulting your veterinarian.
Label instructions should be carefully followed as dosing involves a range of body weights. Approximate doses are listed below.
In dogs, the injectable form is administered at a dose of 0.2 mL of 56.8 mg/mL injectable product once per 5 lbs (10 kg). In dogs, the maximum injectable dose is 3 mL. The tablet dose is 2.5 mg per pound (5 mg/kg) once.
In cats, the maximum injectable dose is 0.6 mL; for tablets, a single dose of 2.5 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) is recommended.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, the response to the drug, and the development of any adverse effects. It is important to carefully follow your veterinarian's instructions when administering praziquantel to your pet, as overdose may cause injury.

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