Pyrantel for cats
Pyrantel is an antiparasitic drug used to kill roundworms in cats and humans. It is characterized by its rapid action and high effectiveness. Although the drug was originally developed for humans, it is successfully used in veterinary medicine to treat helminthic infestations. worms, is toxic, so you should not use the drug without consulting a doctor.
Content
Dosage form and general description
The medication is available in two dosage forms: tablets and suspension. The tablets contain 250 mg of pyrantel pamoate. The composition also includes the following excipients:
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- talc;
- lactose;
- magnesium stearate;
- silicon dioxide, etc.
The tablets are packaged in blisters of 3. Each blister is individually packaged in a cardboard box and comes with instructions for use.
The suspension is white or yellowish in color and slightly viscous in consistency. It is packaged in polymer vials, usually 15 ml each, but other sizes, such as 10 or 20 ml, are sometimes available. Each ml of the medicinal liquid contains 50 mg of the active ingredient. The composition also includes:
- purified water;
- glycerol;
- simethicone emulsion;
- sorbitol, etc.
The suspension is often used to treat children. For this reason, it contains sucrose, which gives the medicine a sweet taste, and various flavorings.
Can cats use Pirantel?
Pyrantel pamoate is often included in antiparasitic medications for animals, but it is usually combined with other active ingredients, such as praziquantel. The question of whether Pyrantel can be given to cats is a concern for many pet owners. While it is possible to use the human medication on cats, it is preferable to use a suspension, as calculating the exact dosage in tablets is difficult due to the high concentration of the active ingredient.
Overdosing on this medication can have serious consequences, so don't self-medicate. Consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage. Furthermore, the medication is effective against certain types of parasites, so testing is necessary beforehand.
How it works
Pyrantel effectively kills internal parasites. It works by blocking nerve impulse transmission. This action results in paralysis, which leads to the death of the worms. After oral administration, the maximum concentration of the active ingredient is reached in just 1-3 hours, making the drug fast-acting. It only kills larvae and adult parasites; it has no effect on parasite eggs.
The unique feature of this medication is that it is virtually not absorbed into the bloodstream. The active ingredient remains in the intestines, effectively killing various types of roundworms. Part of the active ingredient is metabolized in the liver and is excreted primarily in the feces. The antiparasitic agent promotes the release of worms, preventing them from poisoning the animal with decomposition products after death, thus reducing the risk of intoxication.
Indications for use
According to the instructions for use, Pirantel for cats is used, as for humans, to destroy the following types of worms:
- pinworms;
- intestinal eels;
- trichostrongylide;
- hookworm;
- roundworms;
- Trichinella.
The antiparasitic drug has no effect on tapeworms. It is weakly active against whipworms, so other medications are selected for their elimination.
Please note! Pyrantel is not used to prevent helminth infestations in cats. For this purpose, it is better to choose a medication specifically designed for animals.
How to apply
If you're unsure how much Pirantel to give your cat, keep in mind that the dosage is calculated based on weight: 5 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of body weight. If the suspension is used, 1 ml of the medicinal liquid is calculated per 10 kg of body weight. For an average cat weighing 5-6 kg, 0.5 ml is sufficient. For larger cats, the dosage can be increased to 1 ml, and for small kittens, it can be reduced to 0.2-0.3 ml. To accurately measure the suspension, you can use an insulin syringe or a regular disposable syringe.
For severe helminth infestations, the dose can be increased to 10 mg per kg of body weight. Only a veterinarian can calculate the exact dose. They consider not only the animal's weight but also the severity of the infestation, its overall health, and other factors.
If tablets are used, a single dose for adult animals is ¼ of a tablet, and for kittens, 1/8. For severe infestations, the dose is doubled, meaning adults require half a tablet, and kittens, a quarter.
The medication is administered in the morning. The procedure is repeated the following morning. Tests must be repeated after 10 days. If the results are positive, the medication is administered again.
The suspension is forced into the animal's mouth. To prevent the pet from spitting it out, the liquid should be administered using a syringe without a needle into the buccal area or onto the back of the tongue. The tablet should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food. Treat the animal with the prepared treat. If the cat refuses to eat the medicated food, then the powder from pills It is worth diluting with water and giving it to your pet to drink.
There's no need to fast your animal before using the antiparasitic medication. Since Pyrantel promotes the elimination of worms from the body, laxatives are not used before or after administration. No other special measures are necessary.
Contraindications and side effects
The medication is strictly prohibited for use in cats in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- in infectious diseases;
- in case of exhaustion;
- in severe liver and kidney diseases.
The drug is also prohibited for kittens weighing less than 500 g. Do not use the medicine on kittens under 1 month of age.
Please note! Do not combine this medication with Piperazine, as it will neutralize its effects.
Pyrantel should not be taken in combination with other antiparasitic medications. This increases the drug's toxicity and the risk of poisoning.
When administered at the recommended dose, the medication is generally well tolerated by animals. Side effects may occasionally occur:
- vomit;
- nausea;
- increased salivation;
- diarrhea;
- depression and apathy;
- refusal to eat.
Furthermore, intolerance to any of the components may cause an allergic reaction. This can manifest itself in various ways: hives, itching, redness, gastrointestinal disturbances, etc. In such cases, the medication is discontinued, and the animal is given antihistamines and symptomatic treatment.
Symptoms of poisoning
If the dosage is incorrect, Pyrantel can cause poisoning in cats, although it is considered to be of low toxicity to humans. The following symptoms indicate poisoning:
- nausea and severe vomiting;
- increased heart rate;
- weakness;
- excessive excitability;
- lack of appetite;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- tremor of the limbs;
- increased salivation;
- convulsions;
- profuse sweating.
If symptoms of an overdose are detected, the pet's stomach should be flushed. Then, an adsorbent should be administered to remove the toxic substance from the body. Symptomatic treatment or supportive therapy (vitamins, immunostimulants, etc.) may also be required.
What is the price
Some cat owners buy Pirantel to treat helminthic infestations because of its low price:
- tablets 3 pcs. – from 29 to 45 rubles;
- suspension 15 ml – from 35 to 65 rubles.
This medication is affordable for all pet owners. It can be purchased at any nearby pharmacy. There's no need to find a veterinary pharmacy or run to a pet store.
Owner reviews
Diana, owner of a 5-month-old kitten:
"When our child was diagnosed with worms, he was prescribed Pirantel. I also used this medication for the kitten. The older members of the household also took it. Everyone tolerated the medication well, and the worms were completely eliminated. The main advantage is the low price. A bottle costs only 50 rubles."
Victoria, owner of an Angora cat:
"I've been using Pirantel to deworm my cat for a long time. I do it every six months. I haven't had any side effects. This medication is found in almost all antiparasitic medications for animals, but they're much more expensive. But why pay more if the results are the same?!"
Veterinarian Reviews
Lyudmila, a veterinarian with 10 years of experience:
"I've been using Pirantel in my practice for a long time. And although it's for humans, it also helps deworm animals. I don't recommend using it as a preventative measure, as it doesn't kill tapeworms (it's better to choose a broad-spectrum medication), but it's an excellent treatment option. Side effects are rare, but they occur with all antiparasitic medications (it's a poison, after all)."
Vadim, a veterinarian with 7 years of experience:
"I don't recommend using Pirantel on cats. Pharmacies are full of animal medications these days. An incorrect dose can cause serious complications. Don't try to save money on your pet's health."
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