Drontal for cats

Drontal for cats is a product from the German company Bayer HealthCare AG for the prevention and treatment of worms. It is classified as a low-risk medication and is among the top five most effective and popular. anthelmintic drugs.

Composition and release form

The medication is available as white, oval tablets with a score line, packaged in a blister pack and a cardboard box with instructions for use inside. Its effectiveness is due to the combination of two active ingredients:

• praziquantel;
• pyrantel embonate.

Both substances have a detrimental effect on tapeworms and roundworms (ascarids), hookworms, trichuria and other parasites genera of nematodes and cestodes.

Each tablet contains 230 mg of pyrantel embonate and 20 mg of praziquantel. Excipients: magnesium stearate, polyvidone, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silica, and corn starch.

How it works

The drug works by damaging the muscles, nervous system, and microcirculatory function of parasites, resulting in their paralysis and subsequent death. Drontal's action begins immediately after dissolution in the stomach (approximately 2-4 hours after administration).

The active ingredients are effective against all worms found in domestic animals in the Northern Hemisphere:

• cestodes (flatworms);
• trematodes (flukes);
• nematodes (roundworms).

Indications for use

If your pet's appetite has decreased, they're unexplainedly tired, their coat has become dull, and they've lost weight, it's time to have them tested for worms. If the test is positive, treatment with Drontal is recommended.

Dronatal is suitable for use when a pet needs deworming at any stage of infestation or for prophylaxis. It can be used on cats of all ages, including kittens aged 3 weeks and older and older cats.

The drug is prescribed for the most common helminthic infestations:

• cestodiasis;
• nematodoses.

Before administering tablets for medicinal purposes, consult your veterinarian. They may prescribe a different medication based on the indications.

Advantages

The drug has a number of advantages:

1. Can be used on cats of any breed.
2. Suitable for animals with weakened immune systems, pregnant cats in late pregnancy and small kittens.
3. High efficiency after the first use.
4. Effective against all types of worms.
5. Does not cause disturbances in intestinal microflora.
6. Minimal risk of side effects.
7. Availability – the medication can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy. If a larger package is unavailable, tablets are also sold individually.
8. Long shelf life.

Instructions for use

Before using the drug, you should first consult a veterinarian and read the instructions included with the package.

The dosage is calculated based on 1 tablet per 4 kg of body weight. It is important to strictly adhere to the dosage!

It is recommended to give the tablets in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach, since the cat may vomit immediately after taking the medicine.

For the prevention of worms, the drug is used in a similar dosage according to the following scheme:

• at 3 months (or earlier if necessary);
• at 8-10 months (puberty period);
• every 3 months (each season) throughout life.

Drontal is approved for use in pregnant and lactating cats for the treatment and prevention of helminth infestation, provided the following conditions are met:

• dosage: 1 tablet per 4 kg of body weight before pregnancy;
• the drug is given in the second half of pregnancy, but no later than 7-10 days before the expected lambing;
• If antihelminthic treatment was not carried out during pregnancy, it can be carried out 5-7 days after birth;
• After three months, it is advisable to repeat the treatment for the cat and separately for the kittens.

Important: Do not give Drontal to your cat during the first month of pregnancy.

The medication can be used on kittens starting at three weeks of age. The dosage is ¼ of a tablet if the kitten weighs less than 1 kilogram.

How to use

To give your cat medicine, you can use one of the following methods:

• Mix it into food or hide it in a tasty treat to ensure it's eaten. This is best done when your pet is hungry and literally pounces on the food.
• Crush the tablet and mix with water. Use a syringe without a needle to inject the mixture into your pet's open mouth. It's important to securely restrain the animal beforehand, and inject the solution as deeply as possible to ensure it's swallowed and not spat out. This method is especially effective for kittens.
• To encourage swallowing, pick up the cat, open its mouth, and place the tablet on the base of its tongue. Then, close its mouth and stroke the throat area to stimulate the swallowing reflex.

Features of application

Dead parasites are naturally eliminated from the body along with feces, so during deworming The litter box should be cleaned daily with soapy water and the litter changed. For young kittens that have been weaned but are not yet able to maintain their own hygiene, use antibacterial wipes after defecation. These measures will help prevent reinfection through helminth eggs passed in the stool.

Regular deworming should be performed on all pets, even if they remain indoors. Parasites can be transmitted through raw food, water, dirty shoes from outside, and even from an open balcony where urban birds perch.

Since fleas carry certain types of helminths, it is recommended to treat the animal with insecticidal flea treatments in conjunction with Drontal.

Contraindications and side effects

The product is safe to use, but when administering it for the first time, monitor your pet's reaction. As with any medication, do not use if you have a risk of intolerance to any of the ingredients.

In addition, Drontal should not be used:

• during illness or recovery from illness;
• before mating;
• less than 10 days before vaccination or immediately after it;
• for pregnant cats in the first two thirds of pregnancy;
• for kittens up to 3 weeks of age or weighing less than 500 grams.

In most cases, Drontal is well tolerated by cats, rarely causing side effects.

Side effects may arise as a result of intolerance to the active components or the action of toxins that form in the animal's body as a result of the death of parasites:

• profuse salivation;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• weakness.

These conditions usually resolve within 24 hours and do not require special intervention.

Kittens are more likely to experience digestive upset side effects than adults. Therefore, it is not recommended to introduce new foods into their diet before deworming or for 2-3 days after.

Safety precautions and storage rules

When using Drontal, you should follow the safety and personal hygiene rules provided for handling medications for pets.

The product should be stored at a temperature of up to 25°C in a dark place, out of the reach of small children and pets. The shelf life is 5 years; after this period, it is not recommended to use the product.

Price

This is a fairly common medication, so it can be purchased at almost any veterinary pharmacy, pet store, or online retailer. Approximate prices:

• 1 tablet – 190-240 rubles;
• a pack of 2 tablets – 320-370 rubles;
• a pack of 20 tablets – 1650-1950 rubles.

Owner reviews

Julia, owner of a 1.5-year-old Persian cat

Our cat is now 1.5 years old, and during this entire time, he has shown no symptoms of worm infestation thanks to regular prophylaxis with Drontal. We administer one and a half tablets every three months. While we previously tried to force him to swallow the medication, we now simply crush it and mix it into a hair removal paste, which our pet adores, so he licks it clean without noticing anything.

Andrey, the owner of a 2-year-old cat

When our indoor cat contracted worms while walking on the open balcony, we immediately bought Drontal at a nearby pet store. There were no side effects, and the effect was rapid, though the price was a bit high.

Veterinarian Reviews

Natalia, a specialist at a veterinary clinic

I always recommend Drontal to my clients for the prevention and treatment of any stage of helminthic infestation. Over the years, I've never had any complaints about any side effects. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the dosage and not use after the expiration date.

Vera, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience

A popular medication among cat owners, it's well-tolerated even by the smallest kittens. Although there are occasional complaints of bowel upset, this is a natural reaction that doesn't require additional intervention or treatment. I haven't encountered any more serious side effects.

Read also:

• Drontal for dogs: how and when to take it?
• How to give a cat a deworming pill
• Deworming tablets for cats
• Worms in cats