Gelmintal for cats
Gelmintal is a universal antiparasitic medication developed for cats. It can be used to kill both internal and external parasites. The medication is effective and safe, as its formula is tailored to the size and characteristics of small pets. The drug was developed by the staff of the research and production company Ecoprom.
Content
General description
Gelmintal for cats is available in pharmacies in two forms: drops for external use and syrup (suspension). The first form is more versatile, as it can be used to combat both external and internal parasites. The syrup is used only for the treatment and prevention of helminthic infestations, despite containing the same combination of active ingredients.
Spot-on drops
A transparent oily liquid of a yellowish tint contains (in 1 ml):
- 10 moxidectin;
- 40 mg praziquantel.
These substances have the ability to kill parasites. The solution is packaged in disposable polymer pipettes. They are available in two varieties in pharmacies:
- 0.4 ml – for animals up to 4 kg;
- 1 ml – for cats weighing 4-10 kg.
The medication is packaged by the animal's weight, making it easy to dose and administer for treatment or prevention. While no special storage conditions are required, the medication should be stored away from direct sunlight. The temperature should be above freezing, but not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
Syrup
The syrup is produced as a suspension, which may separate during long-term storage. The light beige medication has a creamy, slightly sweet taste due to the excipients included in the formula. Many animals tolerate it without problems.
The suspension is available in several versions:
- for kittens and cats up to 4 kg;
- for cats over 4 kg, puppies and dogs up to 10 kg.
The company also produces Gelmintal syrup for dogs, but it is not used for cats due to its high concentration of active ingredients. All versions of the medication have the same composition, but the active ingredient levels are tailored to specific weight categories of pets.
The syrup is packaged in 5 and 10 ml polymer bottles. They come with dosing syringes, which are convenient for measuring the required amount of medication for an animal based on its weight.
Operating principle
Since both dosage forms of Gelmintal contain the same active ingredients, their principle of action is identical:
- Moxidectin It is active against roundworms, as well as animal-parasitic insects, such as ear mites, demodectic mange mites, and sarcoptic mites. It affects metabolism, preventing parasites from surviving. Its action causes serious metabolic disturbances, leading to paralysis and death of helminths and arthropods.
- Praziquantel Effective against various species of tapeworms. Increased permeability of cell membranes and metabolic disruption cause muscle paralysis. As a result, the parasites die within a short period of time.
The different forms of the medication differ only in their mechanism of action. When applied topically, the active ingredients enter the bloodstream through the skin, while when applied internally, they are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. If worms are detected in an animal, it's better to use the syrup, as it begins to act within a couple of hours. However, when applied topically, the maximum concentration of active ingredients in the blood is reached only after 2-3 days. When applied topically, Gelmintal is effective not only against helminths but also against ticks, fleas, lice, and other ectoparasites.
The drug has the ability to partially accumulate in the body. This property allows the medication's effects to last for a month, and in some cases even longer.
Price
The price of Gelmintal, developed for cats, depends on the dosage form:
- drops – 240-330 rubles per pipette;
- syrup – 230-290 rubles per bottle.
The drug is sold in regular veterinary and online pharmacies.
When is it applied?
According to the instructions, Gelmintal suspension for cats can be used equally effectively for the treatment and prevention of helminthic infestations. The medication is prescribed for conditions caused by the following types of helminths:
- roundworms;
- broad tapeworm;
- hookworms;
- tapeworm;
- cucumber tapeworm, etc.
The drug is often used to treat mixed helminthic infestations. It is also suitable for regular prophylaxis and deworming of animals before vaccination or mating.
Drops have a wider range of indications. They are prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:
- ear mites;
- entomoses caused by fleas or lice;
- notoedrosis;
- demodicosis.
The medicine is also suitable for deworming, but in case of severe infestation, it's better to opt for syrup. This dosage form is suitable for the prevention of the above-mentioned diseases.
Important! Gelmintal drops can also be used to prevent heartworm disease in cats, one of the most dangerous parasitic diseases in which worms infect the animal's heart.
Dosage and administration of drops
The instructions for use indicate that Gelmintal drops for cats should be used as follows:
- Carefully break off the top of the pipette.
- Part the hair in the withers area and apply the preparation to the skin.
- If the animal is large, it is better to apply the medication in 3-4 places.
The dosage should be adjusted according to the weight and instructions on the packaging. Apply the medication only to dry, undamaged skin. Avoid using the product on wounds or scratches.
Important! After applying the solution, do not bathe your animal for 4 days.
If the drops are used for therapeutic purposes, one treatment is usually sufficient. Sometimes the procedure is repeated after a month. To protect the animal from external and internal parasites, the medication should be used every 1-1.5 months.
Nuances of using suspension
Gelmintal suspension should be given to pets during the morning feeding. The syrup can be mixed with a small amount of food. Since the medication has a pleasant taste, eating it is usually not a problem. If your pet refuses to voluntarily take the medication, force the suspension into their mouth using a dosing syringe. Hold their head elevated to ensure they swallow the medication and don't spit it out.
The dosage of Gelmintal is calculated depending on the concentration of active substances:
- for cats up to 4 kg – 1 ml is needed for each kilogram of weight;
- for animals over 4 kg – 2 ml of suspension for each kilogram of weight.
If helminths are present, the drug is administered to the animal once. In rare cases, if the infestation is severe, a repeat administration of the medication is required after 10-14 days. A veterinarian should prescribe repeat administration of the suspension based on test results. For helminth prevention, the drug is administered every 3 months.
Limitations and side effects
Gelmintal is contraindicated in the following cases:
- in case of intolerance to the components;
- in severe kidney diseases;
- in case of serious malfunctions;
- in infectious pathologies;
- when exhausted.
Drops can be used from 7 weeks of age, but the animal must weigh more than 1 kg. The suspension can be used for kittens from 6 weeks of age. Do not use the syrup if the animal weighs less than 0.5 kg.
For pregnant and lactating females, it is better not to use the external solution; the suspension can be prescribed if necessary, but the use of the drug should be supervised by a doctor.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to administer Gelmintal together with other antiparasitic medications.
If the patient is intolerant to the medication, skin reactions such as redness or itching (most often observed at the site of application), as well as vomiting or nausea, may occur. If the dosage is exceeded, the animal may exhibit the following symptoms:
- increased salivation;
- lethargy;
- refusal to eat;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- depressed state, etc.
Owner reviews
Roman, owner of a yard dog and cat:
"There was a special offer on Helminth drops at the pharmacy. I decided to buy some. After applying them, my cat became a little lethargic. Her fur fell out where the solution was applied, but it grew back over time. The dog tolerated the treatment well. Murka stopped scratching her ears, even though we'd been trying to get rid of ear mites for a long time without success."
Andrey, the owner of the British:
"I've been using Gelmintal syrup for my cat for a long time. It works great, and there are no parasites. We've tested it several times, so we can say this with confidence. Sometimes he foams at the mouth, but this side effect doesn't cause any major problems."
Veterinarian Reviews
Vadim, veterinarian at the Aibolit clinic:
"Gelmintal is a fairly toxic drug, so it's never prescribed to cats. Animals often experience side effects. It's better to choose an imported anthelmintic. Yes, the medication will be more expensive, but the animal's safety comes first."
Oksana, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:
"It's a good medication. It's convenient to use drops that protect against internal and external parasites, although for helminthic infestations, you need to use syrup. Its advantages include its low price and availability."
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