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Praziquantel in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Praziquantel

Updated on September 10, 2024

Praziquantel is an oral or injectable medication that may be used to treat a variety of tapeworm infections. Praziquantel is often combined with other antiparasitic medications to treat a wider range of different intestinal parasites.

Praziquantel

Summary

Used For:

Anticestodal (tapeworm) anthelmintic.

Brands:

Single Ingredient Products Droncit®, Tradewinds™ Tape Worm Tabs, D-Worm™

Species:

Dog, cat

Other names:

Combination Products Drontal Plus® (dogs), Drontal® (cats).

Drug type:

Anti-parasitic

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Praziquantel was studied and is safe to use in pregnant animals and no adverse effects were noted. Consult your veterinarian for nursing females before administration. Generally, nursing should be avoided for a minimum of 4 days after administration. Drontal Plus® should not be used in pregnant animals.

Side effects:

Rare, but includedrooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy.
 

General description

Praziquantel is an oral or injectable medication used to treat tapeworm infections. Combination products that contain praziquantel will also treat a variety of different intestinal parasites.

Uses

Praziquantel is often prescribed for the removal of tapeworms. Products containing pyrantel pamoate and febantel may be added on to treat parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and giardia. Praziquantel should not be used in: pets with an allergy to this drug, puppies less than 4 weeks of age or kittens less than 6 weeks of age.

How it works

Praziquantel s believed to cause paralysis/impairs the ability of the tapeworm to attach to the intestinal wall and also interacts with the skin of the tapeworm, causing it to lose the ability to resist digestion by the host.

Dosage

* Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. **Dogs:** 34 mg canine Droncit® tablet ≤5 lbs: 17 mg (1/2 tab); 6-10 lbs: 34 mg (1 tab); 11-15 lbs: 51 mg (1.5 tabs); 16-30 lbs: 68 mg (2 tabs); 31-45 lbs: 102 mg (3 tabs); 46-60 lbs: 136 mg (4 tabs); ≥60 lbs: 170 mg (5 tabs maximum) orally. *Drontal Plus® (praziquantel, pyrantel, febantel) The package insert has a dosing table to determine the correct size tablet and dosage for a dog’s weight. *The injectable product (56.8 milligrams/milliliter) can be given intramuscularly or subcutaneously at 17 milligrams (0.3 milliliters) for dogs ≤ 5 lbs; 28.4 milligrams (0.5 milliliters) for dogs 6 – 10 lbs, and 56.8 milligrams (1 milliliter) for dogs ≥ 25 lbs. **Cats:** 23mg feline Droncit® tab Dose; <4 lbs: 11.5 mg (1/2 tab); 5-11 lbs: 23 mg (1 tab); >11 lbs: 34.5 mg (1.5 tabs). ) *Drontal® (praziquantel and pyrantel) for cats The package insert has a dosing table to determine the correct size tablet and dosage for a cat’s weight. *The injectable product (56.8 milligrams/milliliter) can be given intramuscularly or subcutaneously at 11.4 milligrams (0.2 milliliters) for cats ≤ 5 lbs; 22.7 milligrams (0.4 milliliters) for cats 5 – 10 lbs, and 34.1 milligrams (0.6 milliliter) for cats ≥10 lbs.

Forms

Praziquantel oral tablets: 23 milligram (feline); 34 milligram (canine); Praziquantel Injection: 56.8 milligram per milliliter in 10 mL and 50 mL vials. Drontal Plus® 22.7 milligram, 68 milligram, 136 milligram. Drontal® 18.2 milligram.

Storage information & handling

Store at room temperature in a light resistant and childproof container.

What results can I expect?

Elimination of tapeworms and other intestinal parasites if used in combination product.

Missed Dosage

Usually given as a single dose. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

May see salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, staggering, depression. If you think your pet has experienced an overdose/acute toxicity, some of the symptoms listed may be more severe, seek veterinary care immediately.

Side effects

* Decreased appetite * Drooling * Vomiting * Lethargy * Diarrhea * Ataxia/staggering * Pain at injection site (when injectable form is administered)

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Not recommended for use in puppies less than 3 weeks of age and/or less than 2 pounds * Not recommended for use in kittens less than 6 weeks ofage and/or less than 1.5 pounds

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using praziquantel with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Cimetidine,rifampin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, oxaminiquine may cause and interaction when used with praziquantel. Grapefruit Juice can increase serum praziquantel levels.

Precaution

None.

Sources

Plumb's Veterinary Handbook

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.