CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Praziquantel
Medication: Praziquantel
Your cat has been prescribed praziquantel for the treatment of tapeworms.
Key points:
• Anthelmintic (dewormer) against tapeworms.
• Commonly combined with other dewormers as part of a broad-spectrum deworming combination.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Praziquantel (praz-ih-kwan-tel).
Brand name
- Praziquantel is found in many deworming preparations, both from your veterinarian and over-the- counter medications. Praziquantel is often combined with other types of antiparasitic drug in combinations that will treat a broad spectrum of worms. It is available as oral tablets, oral liquids, injections, and topical solutions. Some preparations are listed below.
UK
- Milbemax® tablet for cats and kittens.
- WormScreen Tablets for Cats.
- Joii Multiwormer.
- Droncit® Tablets for Cats and Dogs.
- Dronspot®.
- Profender® Spot-on Solution.
US
- Drontal®.
- Drontal® Plus.
- Profender®.
- Prazi C Tablets.
- Panacur Plus.
Class of medication
- Anthelmintic.
Storage
- Store at below 25°C (77°F).
Why has my cat been prescribed praziquantel?
Your veterinarian has prescribed praziquantel for the treatment of tapeworms such as:
- Echinococcus granulosus.
- Taenia ovis.
- Taenia pisiformis.
- Taenia multiceps.
- Taenia hydatigena.
- Taenia taeniaeformis.
- Dipylidium caninum.
- Echinococcus multilocularis.
How is the medication given?
Praziquantel is given orally (as tablets). Tablets can either be administered directly into your cat’s mouth or along with some food. Your veterinarian may administer praziquantel by injection in the veterinary clinic. Praziquantel is also available as a topical solution for cats and should be administered directly to the skin between the shoulder blades. Children and other pets should not be allowed to touch the cat until the solution has dried.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur. If this happens, stop the treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Some preparations containing praziquantel have been tested and deemed to be safe for use in pregnant and lactating queens. Check the package leaflet or ask your veterinarian if you are unsure whether the formulation prescribed for your pet is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.
Vomiting, soft feces, loss of appetite and drowsiness are possible side-effects of praziquantel treatment but at the standard dose, side-effects should be mild and should not necessitate stopping treatment. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Praziquantel tablets and topical solution should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused praziquantel safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Your veterinarian may give you an extra dose to treat your pet again in the future. Store praziquantel away from pets and children and check the expiry date before use.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Praziquantel should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on praziquantel?
No specific tests are required while your cat is taking praziquantel.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on praziquantel can be found on the package insert. Links to some products containing praziquantel may be found below, but there are many more products available and new products regularly appear on the market. Contact your veterinarian if you require further information on the product you have purchased for your pet.
Europe & UK
- Elanco (UK) Milbemax® tablets for cats and kittens. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-462688
- KRKA WormScreen Tablets for Cats. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_1572619.PDF
- KRKA Joii Multiwormer. Website: vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_2144145.PDF
- Vetoquinol UK Ltd Droncit® Tablets. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-446534; www.drontal.co.uk/cats/droncit-tapewormer-tablets/
- Vetoquinol UK Ltd Dronspot® for Cats. Website: www.vetoquinolpet.co.uk/products/daily-care-and-parasites/dronspot%C2%AE-for-cats; www.drontal.co.uk/cats/
- Vetoquinol UK Ltd Profender® Spot-on Solution. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-446686
US
- Elanco, Inc. Droncit® tablets and injectable solution. Website: my.elanco.com/us/droncit
- Elanco, Inc. Drontal® Plus tablets. Website: www.elancolabels.com/us/tapeworm-dewormer-for-cats
- Elanco, Inc. Profender® topical solution. Website: animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/834; www.elancolabels.com/us/profender
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.