Drug Name: Praziquantel
Common Name: Droncit®, Drontal®, Drontal Plus®
Drug Type: Antihelmintic
Used For: Eradication of tapeworms
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: 23mg, 34mg Tablet, Injectable
- How Dispensed: Prescription only
FDA Approved: Yes
- Recommended Online Pharmacy: Get Praziquantel at Pet360.com
Praziquantel is prescribed by a veterinarian to treat tapeworms in pets. Tapeworms are spread by ingesting a flea or louse that has in turn ingested a tapeworm egg. A flea preventative may also be prescribed in conjunction with administration of Praziquantel to prevent any future tapeworm infections.
Your veterinarian may perform a fecal floatation test if they suspect a parasite or as part of a routine check-up. It involves taking a small fecal sample from your dog using a lubricated fecal loop. The feces is then put in a small container with a solution that will allow most of the fecal matter to sink and the parasite eggs to float. A slide is then made of the floating material and examined under a microscope. The slide is then scanned for eggs.
Drugs such as Dronta® contain Praziquantel in conjunction with another chemical, Pyrantal pamoate, which is effective against hookworms and roundworms. Drontal Plus® contains Praziquantel, Pyrantal pamoate, as well as another drug febantel, which is effective against roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Praziquantel may also be used in conjunction with Milbemycin in the drug Milbemax®, making is also effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and young heartworms.
How It Works
Praziquantel works by eliminating the tapeworms’ ability to prevent digestion by it’s host (your pet). Therefore, they disintegrate and become absorbed into your pet’s body.
Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Praziquantel is typically given as a one-time, single dose.
Side Effects and Drug Reactions
Praziquantel may result in these side effects:
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Loss of appetite
- Pain at the injection site
- Drooling in cats
Please consult your veterinarian before giving any other antihelmintic (deworming) drug or herbal supplement to your pet while on, or before giving Praziquantel.
Praziquantel is safe to use in puppies over 4 weeks of age and kittens over 6 weeks of age.