Piperazine

Piperazine In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• An anti-ascaridial anthelmintic that blocks acetylcholine, thus affecting neurotransmission and paralysing the adult worm; it has no larvicidal activity.

Uses of Piperazine

• Active against Toxocara cati, T. canis, Toxascaris leonine and Uncinaria stenocephala.

Dose of Piperazine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Puppies and kittens: 200 mg/kg as a single dose. Then dose every 2 weeks until 3 months of age and then at 3-month intervals.
• Adult dogs and cats: 200 mg/kg as a single dose. Repeat treatment at 3-month intervals.

Side Effects of Piperazine in Dogs and Cats

• Uncommon but occasionally vomiting or muscle tremors and ataxia have been reported.

Contraindications of Piperazine in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.

Some Notes:

• Ineffective against tapeworms and lung worms.
• High doses are required to treat hookworm infection.
• Puppies and kittens may be wormed from 6–8 weeks of age and should be weighed accurately to prevent overdosing.
• Fasting is not necessary. Piperazine may be used in pregnant animals.
• Piperazine and pyrantel have antagonistic mechanisms of action; do not use together.