Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats
Praziquantel antiparasitic dewormer for treating a variety of parasite infections, most commonly tapeworms. Praziquantel is also commonly used in combination with other antiparasitic medications.
What is Praziquantel?
Praziquantel is a veterinary medication. Praziquantel is an anthelmintic agent with activity against a broad spectrum of trematodes and cestodes that is used predominantly in the therapy of schistosomiasis, liver flukes, and cysticercosis.
Praziquantel is 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinoline-4-one. It is a white to nearly white crystalline powder of bitter taste, melting at 136-140°C with decomposition. It is stable under normal conditions and it is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol and soluble in organic solvents like chloroform and dimethylsulfoxide. Praziquantel possesses an asymmetric center in position 11b (asterisk). The commercial preparation is a racemate composed of equal parts of “levo” R(-) and “dextro” S(+) isomers. Only the (-)-enantiomer is endowed with antischistosomal activity.
What is Praziquantel Used for In Dogs?
Praziquantel is primarily used in dogs and puppies as a tapeworm dewormer ,Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis.
Praziquantel Side Effects in Dogs
Side effects of Praziquantel for dogs are uncommon.
Less Common Side Effects
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
If you notice any of these Praziquantel side effects in dogs, contact your veterinarian right away. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention for your animal.
Praziquantel Precautions
Praziquantel for dogs may not be the best treatment for all veterinary patients.
Who Should Not Use Praziquantel
Animals allergic to it, puppies less than 3 weeks old, or kittens less than 6 weeks old.
Are There Any Drug Interactions With Praziquantel?
|
Praziquantel |
Albendazole |
Increased plasma concentration of active metabolite of albendazole |
|
Praziquantel |
Carbamazepine |
Plasma-praziquantel concentration reduced |
|
Praziquantel |
Chloroquine |
Plasma-praziquantel concentration possibly reduced |
|
Praziquantel |
Dexamethasone |
Plasma-praziquantel concentration reduced |
|
Praziquantel |
Phenytoin |
Plasma-praziquantel concentration reduced |
Storage
Praziquantel tablets are best stored in a cool dry place. Tablets should be in a tightly sealed container and kept away from direct sunlight.
Liquid praziquantel should also be stored at room temperature. Shake well before administering the dosage.
Medications should not be ingested by humans. In homes with children, a childproof container is recommended. If a human accidentally swallows this medication, call your doctor right away.
Instructions
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions ask the veterinarian to explain them to you.
Unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, The PO (5 mg/kg), SC (5.8 mg/kg), or spot-on (cats, 12 mg/kg) administration of praziquantel in dogs and cats is 100% effective against Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp, and Echinococcus spp (both adult and immature forms). Follow your veterinarian’s instructions as they may differ from these recommendations.
Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats Dosage
|
DOGS |
||
|
Delivery |
Parasites |
Dose (against praziquantel-susceptible parasites) |
|
Intramuscular |
5.7 mg/kg after confirmed diagn. Rep 24-48 h later |
|
|
Intramuscular |
5.7 mg/kg after confirmed diagn. Rep 24-48 h later |
|
|
Oral |
Tapeworms (general) |
5 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
Diphyllobotrium spp |
25 mg/kg/day x2 consec. days; or 35-40 mg/kg once |
|
Oral |
2.5-5 mg/kg |
|
|
Oral |
5-10 mg/kg once; or 1 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days |
|
|
Oral |
5 mg/kg once; or 1 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days |
|
|
Oral |
Nanophyetus salmincola |
4-12 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
100 mg/kg once; or 50 mg/kg twice at 24 h interval |
|
|
Oral |
Paragonimus spp |
25 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days; or 25 mg/kg twice/day on 2 consec. days |
|
Oral |
Spirometra spp |
7.5 mg/kg/day x2 consec. days; or 25 mg/kg once |
|
Oral |
Taenia hydatigena |
2-5 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
Taenia pisiformis |
1-5 mg/kg |
|
Subcutaneous |
Tapeworms (general) |
5,7 mg/kg |
|
Subcutaneous |
Diphyllobotrium spp |
25-40 mg/kg |
|
Subcutaneous |
Nanophyetus salmincola |
4-12 mg/kg |
|
Subcutaneous |
100 mg/kg once; or 50 mg/kg twice with 24 h interval |
|
|
Subcutaneous |
Paragonimus kellicotti |
25 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days |
|
Subcutaneous |
Spirometra spp |
25 mg/kg/day x2 consec. days |
|
Subcutaneous |
Taenia pisiformis |
1 mg/kg |
|
CATS |
||
|
Delivery |
Parasites |
Dose (against praziquantel-susceptible parasites) |
|
Intramuscular |
5.7 mg/kg after confirmed diagn. Rep 24-48 h later |
|
|
Intramuscular |
5.7 mg/kg after confirmed diagn. Rep 24-48 h later |
|
|
Oral |
Tapeworms (general) |
5 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
Diphyllobotrium erinacei |
7.5- 15 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
100 mg/kg once; or 50 mg/kg twice with 24 h interval |
|
|
Oral |
Paragonimus kellicotti |
25 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days |
|
Oral |
Platynosomum spp |
20 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
Spirometra spp |
20-30 mg/kg |
|
Oral |
Taenia pisiformis |
1 mg/kg |
|
Intramuscular |
100 mg/kg once; or 50 mg/kg twice with 24 h interval |
|
|
Intramuscular |
Paragonimus kellicotti |
25 mg/kg/day x3 consec. days |
|
Intramuscular |
Platynosomum concinnum |
20 mg/kg |
|
Topical (spot-on) |
Tapeworms (general) |
12-30 mg/kg |
Missed Dose
To maintain the effectiveness of the medication, be careful not to miss a dose, and have the refill on the way before you run out.
In the case of a missed dose, keep up the regular schedule whenever possible. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose, then with the regular schedule. Doubling up is not advised.
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