Praziquantel

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

Overview

• Cestocide that increases cell membrane permeability of susceptible worms, resulting in loss of intracellular calcium and paralysis.
• This allows the parasites to be phagocytosed or digested.

Uses of Praziquantel

• Treatment of Dipylidium caninum, Taenia, Echinococcus granulosus and Mesocestoides in dogs and cats.

Dose of Praziquantel in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 5.0 mg/kg p.o.
• 8 mg/kg spot-on.

Cats:

• 5.0 mg/kg p.o.
• 8 mg/kg spot-on.

Side Effects of Praziquantel in Dogs and Cats

• Injection may cause localized tissue sensitivity, particularly in cats.
• Can cause transient hypersalivation if a cat licks the site of spot-on application.
• Oral administration can occasionally result in anorexia, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea.

Contraindications of Praziquantel in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use in unweaned puppies or kittens, as they are unlikely to be affected by tapeworms.
• Do not use the spot-on preparation in animals <1 kg.

Some Notes:

• As it kills all intestinal forms of Echinococcus, it is the preferred drug in
  most Echinococcus control programs.
• The PETS travel scheme requires animals to be treated with praziquantel before entry into the UK.
• The inclusion of pyrantel and febantel in some preparations increases the spectrum of efficacy.
• Drontal plus can be used from 2 weeks of age.
• Drontal cat tablets can be used from 6 weeks of age.
• Retreatment is usually unnecessary unless reinfection takes place.