Milprazon for cats

Milprazon is a veterinary anthelmintic drug used to treat and prevent helminthic infestations in cats. The medication effectively kills parasites at all stages of development. The formula was developed by the renowned European company KRKA, which has been producing medications for animals and humans for decades.

Composition and release form

Milprazon (Milprazone) is produced as oval-shaped tablets. The main advantage of this anthelmintic medication is that the tablets are available in two different variations:

• for kittens and cats weighing up to 2 kg;
• for adult cats and cats weighing over 2 kg.

They have identical compositions, only the concentrations of active ingredients and excipients differ. They can be distinguished by color: brown-yellow for animals weighing up to 2 kg, brown-red for adult pets of greater weight.

Regardless of the active ingredient concentration, tablets are film-coated and have a small groove down the middle, allowing them to be divided evenly into two halves. This allows for accurate dosage calculation and prevents overdosing, which can be harmful to your pet. Tablets are packaged in blisters of 2 or 4.

The drug's anthelmintic action is due to the combination of two components: praziquantel and milbemycin oxime. The composition also includes the following excipients:

• magnesium stearate;
• povidone;
• lactose monohydrate;
• dry yeast;
• colloidal silicon anhydrous, etc.

One of the excipients is a meat flavoring agent, which improves the taste of the medication. This allows many animals to consume it spontaneously without coercion.

Pharmacological properties

The antiparasitic effect of the drug is due to its components:

• Milbemycin oxime kills roundworms and Dirofilaria immitus larvae, which cause dirofilariasis. It works by increasing the permeability of cell membranes and disrupting the nervous system and muscle tissue. This results in paralysis and the death of the parasites.
• Praziquantel is effective against tapeworms and roundworms. Its mechanism of action is largely similar to that of other active ingredients. Metabolic disturbances and muscle contractions cause paralysis, which kills the parasites. Praziquantel promotes the elimination of dead worms from the animal's body.

A key advantage of this medication is its rapid action. After entering the intestines, the active ingredients are rapidly absorbed. Plasma levels of the active ingredients reach their peak levels within just 1-2 hours.

According to the instructions for use, Milprazon for cats is considered a moderately hazardous drug. If the dose is not exceeded, it does not have an embryotoxic effect on the body and is not addictive.

Please note! Milprazon is toxic to fish and bees, so it must be disposed of according to legal requirements. Do not allow the product to enter bodies of water, ponds, rivers, or other water sources.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

Milprazon tablets are available individually, which is especially beneficial if you have a kitten or small cat. The medication can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy or pet store. There are usually no shortages of this medication. You can also order the anthelmintic online from websites specializing in veterinary medications and pet supplies.

The price of one Milprazon tablet for cats up to 2 kg is 140-160 rubles, and for animals over 2 kg, 220-240 rubles. When purchasing a package, the cost of the medication will double or quadruple depending on the number of tablets.

When to use

Milprazon is used for cats to treat helminthic infestations:

• dipylidiosis;
• toxocariasis;
• taeniasis;
• echinococcosis;
• hookworm.

The medication can be used to treat mixed helminthic infestations. It is also excellent for preventing roundworm and tapeworm infections, as well as dirofilariasis. To protect your pet from internal parasites, which can significantly harm their health, Milprazon should be administered prophylactically:

• • every three months;
  • before vaccination;
  • before mating.

After one month of treatment, the animal's body is protected against heartworm disease. For continued protection, another medication should be selected. It is not recommended to administer Milprazon more than once every three months, as this may lead to overdose.

Instructions for use

The instructions state that Milprazon is given to cats for the treatment of helminthic infestations as a single dose. The dosage of the antiparasitic medication is calculated based on several factors. The active ingredient content and the pet's weight are always taken into account. For kittens and cats weighing less than 2 kg, tablets with a lower concentration of active ingredients are used in the following quantities:

• if the pet weighs 0.5-1 kg, half a tablet will be required;
• For animals weighing from 1 to 2 kg, one tablet is needed.

When using a more concentrated drug, the following doses should be followed:

• from 2 to 4 kg – 0.5 pcs.;
• from 4 to 8 kg – 1 pc.;
• from 8 to 12 kg – 1.5 pcs.

You can force-feed the medication. In the first case, place the pill on the back of the tongue and wait for the animal to swallow. To speed up the process, lift the cat's muzzle and stroke its neck, encouraging swallowing. You can also mix the medication with food. In this case, choose treats your cat likes to effectively disguise the medication. Use only a small amount of food.

When using an anthelmintic, there's no need to take laxatives or fast your pet. Some doctors recommend administering the medication in the morning. It's best to feed your pet 30-40 minutes afterward rather than immediately. This will ensure maximum effectiveness.

Please note! When using the drug for prophylactic purposes in cats, it is given at a therapeutic dose, i.e., as for treatment.

Contraindications and side effects

Milprozone has a number of contraindications:

• individual intolerance to the components, including in the anamnesis;
• exhaustion;
• infectious diseases;
• chronic or acute liver diseases;
• kidney pathologies.

Also, do not give the product to kittens under 6 weeks of age or if the animal weighs less than 0.5 kg.

Important! Deworming cats during pregnancy and lactation should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Sometimes the following side effects occur:

• lethargy;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• vomit;
• nausea;
• diarrhea;
• muscle tremors, etc.

Side effects are more common in young kittens. This is because their livers and kidneys have a harder time eliminating medication from the body. These symptoms may also indicate an overdose. They usually resolve spontaneously within 24 hours. If necessary, symptomatic medications are prescribed.

If an allergic reaction develops after taking the medication (symptoms can range from a rash to nausea and vomiting), the animal is given an antiallergic medication. A different anthelmintic is then selected for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations.

Owner reviews

Eva, owner of two cats:

"Since we have two cats, deworming is a fairly important issue for us. I also frequently foster kittens. We used to buy Milbemax regularly, but when its price went up again, we decided to look for a different medication. The vet recommended Milprazon, noting that its ingredients were identical to the more expensive anthelmintic. We switched to it because of the lower price, but we have no complaints about its effectiveness. It works great."

Victoria, owner of a Siamese cat:

"After a summer vacation at the dacha, we decided to deworm. We chose Milprazon. And although it's cheaper than medications with the same ingredients, it's gentle and effective. I added the tablets to my cat's food. He ate them without any problems. There were no side effects."

Tatyana, owner of a Chinese cat:

"I've been using Milprazon for deworming for a long time. When my cat gave birth, I also bought a different version of this product for the kittens. The kittens tolerated the deworming well, just like their mother. It's an excellent parasite control product."

Veterinarian Reviews

Nikita, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"Milprazone is a good anthelmintic drug. Its main advantage is that it not only kills tapeworms and roundworms but also prevents dirofilariasis, a dangerous disease in which parasites affect the heart. However, it's important to monitor the dosage to prevent poisoning from the active ingredients."

Galina Petrovna, a doctor at a Moscow veterinary clinic:

"I consider Milprazon one of the best anthelmintic medications. It's gentle yet effective in treating and preventing worm infestations. It's approved for use on adult cats and kittens. Another advantage is its relatively low price (cheaper than some European equivalents)."

Read also:

• Pratel for cats
• Praziquantel for cats
• Milbemax for cats