Common Brand Names
Single Ingredient
- Droncit Tablets for Dogs and Cats
- Droncit Topical Solution for Cats
Combined Ingredients
- Drontal Allwormer Tablets for Cats (with Pyrantel Pamoate)
- Drontal Allwormer Chewables for Dogs (with Pyrantel Pamoate and Febantel)
- Interceptor Plus Chewables for Dogs (with Milbemycin Oxime)
- Sentinel Spectrum Chewables for Dogs (with Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron)
Uses Of Praziquantel
Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used to kill tapeworms in cats and dogs. However, Praziquantel is not effective against roundworms or external parasites. Therefore, it is often combined with other ingredients like Pyrantel to create a wide-spectrum product.
Method Of Application
It comes in subcutaneous, topical, or oral.
Dosage And Administration
The dosage and administration of Praziquantel vary depending on the specific parasite being treated, the species of animal being treated, and the form of the medication (tablet or liquid). Therefore, it is important to follow the specific dosage and administration instructions provided by a veterinarian or physician and any additional instructions on the medication label.
Praziquantel is administered orally, and the tablets can be crushed and mixed with food for pets. Some general dosage guidelines for Praziquantel in animals are:
- Dogs: The usual dosage for tapeworms is 5-10 mg/kg (2.3-4.5 mg/lb) body weight, given once a day for 1-3 days.
- Cats: The usual dosage for tapeworms is 5-10 mg/kg (2.3-4.5 mg/lb); body weight is given once daily for 1-3 days.
- Fish: The usual dosage for tapeworms is 20-40 mg/kg (9-18 mg/lb); body weight is given once daily for 1-3 days.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific dosage and administration instructions may vary depending on the parasite being treated and the form of the medication. As always, it's important to consult your veterinarian or physician for specific dosage and administration instructions for your pet.
Possible Side Effects
Praziquantel is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used as directed. However, like all medications, there is a potential for side effects. The most common side effects of Praziquantel in animals include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Itching or rash
Usually, these side effects are mild and resolve independently within a few days. However, if any of these side effects are severe or persistent, you should contact your veterinarian for advice.
There are also rare but possible side effects, such as:
- Neurological symptoms like convulsions, ataxia, tremors, or seizures
- Liver and kidney dysfunction
- Hematological changes like anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia
- Hypersensitivity reactions
If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your animal after administering Praziquantel, you must contact your veterinarian for guidance.
It is important to note that, as with any medication, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions for Praziquantel provided by your veterinarian or physician.
Precautions
Praziquantel is a medication commonly used to treat tapeworm infections in pets. Some precautions to keep in mind when using this medication include:
- It should not use in animals that are known to be hypersensitive (allergic) to it.
- It should be used with caution in animals with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions can affect the metabolism and elimination of the drug.
- It should use caution in animals receiving other medications, as there may be interactions between them.
- It should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals, as the effects on the developing fetus or nursing offspring are unknown.
- Doses should be determined by a veterinarian, as they may vary depending on the infection's species, weight, and severity.
- Always follow the dosage instructions on the label or as directed by your veterinarian.
- If an overdose occurs, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.
It is always important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Storage
Store in a dry place below 77°F (25°C).
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for normal reference only and is not intended to replace veterinary advice or packaging label. You should consult your vet first. Here may have included only some of the uses, side effects, brand names, or applications.
