General Description: Praziquantel is an anthelmintic (dewormer) to kill your pet’s tapeworms. This medication kills the types of tapeworms your pet may contract from fleas or rodents. Tablets may be crumbled or mixed in the food. Fasting is not necessary. Praziquantel is available as chewable or regular tablets, or as an injection that can be given at your veterinarian’s clinic.
What is this drug?
An anthelmintic (dewormer) for dogs and cats
Given by mouth, or by injection at your veterinarian’s clinic
Reasons for prescribing:
To kill the common tapeworm in dogs and cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Praziquantel is safe to use in breeding and pregnant animals.
Puppies less than 4 weeks of age and weighing less than 2 pounds
Kittens less than 6 weeks of age and weighing less than 1.5 pounds
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to praziquantel or like products before
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully. Fasting is not necessary prior nor recommended. Tablets may be given with or without food. Ensure that your pet swallows all of the medication. The injectable form is given by your veterinarian in the muscle (intramuscularly) or under the skin (subcutaneously). A single treatment may be sufficient, but a second dose 2-4 weeks later is recommended if re-infection is likely. Re-infection is possible if there is a heavy, uncontrolled flea problem or if the pet eats mice or rabbits. If your animal has a large load of tapeworms, after treatment you may see them expelled with a bowel movement. Usually however, they are digested and will not be seen. Hookworms and roundworms may be observed in the feces a few days after treatment with a combination product. To maximize the benefit of deworming, it is best to treat all animals in the environment. Periodic fecal exams are recommended to monitor effectiveness and re-exposure to parasites. Some intestinal parasites can infect humans. Strict hygienic precautions should be observed when handling infected pets and their feces. Consult your veterinarian or family doctor to discuss how to prevent human infection and re-infection of your pet.
What if a dose is missed?
Not applicable
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Not for human use. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
The oral form tastes bitter
Side effects are rare, but oral forms of praziquantel may cause drooling, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea
Praziquantel injections tend to sting. Your pet may scratch at the injection site or cry immediately following the injection. Dogs may vomit and experience a brief period of incoordination. Some cats may experience weakness, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and a temporary loss of appetite.
If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but some side effects occur more if using pyrantel pamoate combination products at the same time as organophosphate (found in some flea and tick products) or diethylcarbamazine (once-a-day heartworm preventives)
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
