Gelmimax for cats

Gelmimax is an innovative combination medication used for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations in cats and kittens. It has a broad spectrum of action, being effective against 13 types of helminths. The formula was developed by the Russian company Api-San.

Dosage form and composition

The drug is available in four different variations. Helmimax-4 is designed for cats and kittens. Its main difference from other options is the concentration of active ingredients. This antiparasitic drug is based on a combination of two active ingredients:

• praziquantel (one tablet contains 20 mg);
• moxidectin (its content in one tablet is 1 g).

The drug contains the following excipients:

• calcium stearate;
• microcrystalline cellulose;
• anhydrous lactose;
• sodium lauryl sulfate;
• chicken flavoring, etc.

The medication is available as small, white tablets. The manufacturer's logo is printed on one side, and two perpendicular score lines are on the other. These lines allow the tablet to be accurately divided into four parts, allowing for precise dosage for small animals. It is packaged in foil strips, typically containing two tablets each. The strips are placed in a cardboard box.

Store the medicine away from sunlight and heat sources at a temperature of 0 to 25˚C. Discard after the expiration date.

Please note: Overdose can cause serious health problems.

Operating principle

Gelmimax is capable of killing various types of helminths. Its broad spectrum of action is due to the combination of two complementary active ingredients:

• Praziquantel Praziquantel is used in many antiparasitic medications for animals. It is effective against tapeworms. It works by increasing the permeability of cell membranes and depolarizing them. This action results in contraction of the parasite's muscles, which leads to death. Praziquantel is effective against cestodes at all stages of development. Its peak concentration in the blood is reached within 1-3 hours. It is excreted from the animal's body in urine within 24 hours.
• Moxidectin Moxidectin differs in its mode of action. It negatively impacts the chloride channels through which nerve impulses pass. This action disrupts the nervous system and causes paralysis, which inevitably leads to the rapid death of roundworms. Moxidectin penetrates well into the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. It is eliminated from the body in the feces.

Provided the recommended doses are not exceeded, the antiparasitic drug is well tolerated by cats of various breeds. In this case, the drug does not cause mutations, is not addictive, and has no toxic effects on the body.

Indications and regimen for use

According to the instructions, Helmimax-4 for cats is used for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations:

• hookworm;
• Uncinaria blight;
• toxascariasis;
• taeniasis;
• toxocariasis;
• echinococcosis;
• alveococcosis;
• trichuriasis;
• dipylidiosis;
• mesocestoidosis;
• diphyllobothriasis.

Thanks to its combined composition, the drug is effectively used in the treatment of mixed helminthic infestations. It is also used to prevent dirofilariasis, a dangerous disease caused by heartworms.

If the antiparasitic drug is used for therapeutic purposes, it is given once, and in case of severe infestation, the dose is repeated after 10-14 days. For helminth prevention, Gelmimax is given to pets once a quarter, and for indoor pets (if the animal does not go outside), it is given once every 4-6 months. Deworming is also mandatory 10-14 days before vaccination. If the medication is used to prevent dirofilariasis, it should be given monthly during the period when mosquitoes (carriers of heartworm larvae) are active – from April to September.

How and how much to give

The instructions for use indicate that the dosage of Gelmimax for cats and kittens is calculated based on their weight:

• from 0.5 to 1 kg – a quarter of a tablet;
• from 1 to 2 kg – half a tablet;
• from 2 to 4 kg – 1 pc.;
• from 4 to 6 kg – 1.5 pcs.;
• from 6 to 8 kg – 2 pcs.

The medication should be administered to animals in the morning. The medication has a chicken flavor, but most cats refuse to take it voluntarily. If your pet is one of them, force the tablet onto the back of the tongue. To do this, tilt the animal's head back, open its mouth, and insert the tablet as deep as possible. Keep the head raised until the pet swallows it.

The medication can also be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food. Compared to the previous option, this method is less preferable because the pet may not eat all of the food, meaning the dosage will be reduced, which will impact its effectiveness. For deworming kittens, the antiparasitic medication can be dissolved in a small amount of water and then administered using a needle-free syringe.

Before using Gelmimax, there is no need to cleanse the intestines with laxatives or fast the animal. No enemas are required after administration. Praziquantel not only kills parasites but also promotes their elimination. The dead helminths are eliminated from the body naturally.

Contraindications and side effects

Gelmimax should not be used in animals in the following cases:

• in case of severe exhaustion;
• in case of serious liver dysfunction;
• in severe kidney diseases;
• in infectious pathologies;
• in case of intolerance to the components.

Do not use the medicine for kittens under 6 weeks of age or if their weight has not reached 500 g.

Please note! Deworming cats During pregnancy and lactation, Gelmimax should only be administered under veterinary supervision. Furthermore, the procedure should not be performed earlier than 3 weeks before and 2-3 weeks after delivery.

When using antiparasitic medications, cats sometimes experience increased salivation. This phenomenon resolves on its own and does not require special treatment. In case of intolerance to the components, allergic reactions may occur. In this case, the medication is discontinued. To stabilize the pet's health, it is given antiallergic medications and, if necessary, symptomatic treatment.

The following side effects sometimes occur:

• impaired coordination of movements;
• lethargy and apathy;
• indigestion;
• nausea and vomiting;
• depressed state;
• lack of appetite or complete refusal to eat;
• shiver.

Side effects always occur with an overdose. If the medication dose is exceeded, the pet is prescribed enterosorbents to remove toxic substances from the body and symptomatic treatment.

How much does it cost and where can I buy it?

Compared to foreign antiparasitic medications for cats, Gelmimax is inexpensive. A package of two tablets costs 360-400 rubles. An imported medication will cost 1.5-2 times more. Furthermore, Gelmimax can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy or pet store. Since it is produced by a domestic company, it is available even in small towns. You can also order it online.

Owner reviews

Vita, the owner of a Persian cat:

"Even though our beauty is constantly indoors, we deworm her regularly. We tried various tablets and suspensions. And each time, we encountered the same problem: she flatly refused to take the medication. It always ended with scratched hands and terrifying screams. When I bought Helmimax at the pharmacy, on the pharmacist's recommendation, the situation changed dramatically. Now she eats the tablets herself right from my hand. There are no worms, and no side effects have been detected."

Oksana, the owner of a Maine Coon:

"I used to always use Milbemax for deworming, but when the price went up again, I decided to look for an alternative. I settled on Gelmimax. It's cheaper, but just as effective. We've used it twice already, and we've had tests done, so we're confident it works. Our cat doesn't eat it, as the manufacturer promises."

Veterinarian Reviews

Viktor Andreevich, a veterinarian with 14 years of experience:

"I usually don't trust domestic medications much and generally recommend imported ones. Gelmimax is one of the few medications that I trust. I was pleased that the manufacturer conducted clinical trials, and the drug's safety and effectiveness were confirmed in practice. Although, I admit, there have been cases of side effects in kittens."

Antonina, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:

"Gelmimax-4 is a medication specifically designed for cats against internal parasites. It has many advantages: small tablets, an affordable price, and high effectiveness. It's good for prevention, but I haven't used it for treatment (I prefer stronger medications). It's generally well tolerated by cats."

Read also:

• Prazitel suspension for cats and kittens
• Milbemax for cats
• Milprazon for cats