Pet Medication 101: Praziquantel

1. Drug Name:

praziquantel

2. Common Name or Brand Names:

Droncit, Drontal, Biltricide, Cisticid, Cysticide, Ehliten, Equimax, Mycotricide, Quest Plus, Praquantel, Prasikon, Prazitel, Sincerck, Virbantel, Zifartel, Zimecterin Gold Paste

3. How Dispensed:

Prescription-only

4. Forms:

23, 30, 34, 114, 500, and 600 mg tablets; 56.8mg/mL injectable solution; 7.75% and 14.03% oral paste; and 125 mg oral gel

5. Drug Type/Class:

Anthelmintic (anti-parasitic)

6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:

Treatment of tapeworms

7. How it Works:

Affects the permeability of the tapeworm’s cell membrane, resulting in digestion by the gastric fluids of the host

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, pain at the injection site, and drooling in cats

Signs of overdose include depression, weakness, and uncoordinated movements

9. Drug Interactions:

Albendazole, Cimetidine, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Phenobarbital, and Rifampin

10. Cautionary Statements:

• Do not use in puppies less than 4 weeks old or kittens less than 6 weeks old.
• Use with caution in lactating pets.
• Side effects may last longer in patients with liver or kidney disease.

Read more:

Pet Medication 101: Ivermectin

Pet Medication 101: Milbemycin Oxime

Pet Medication 101: Pyrantel Pamoate

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