Pyrantel for dogs
Pyrantel is an affordable and effective medication used for dogs with worm infestations. Developed for humans, this medication has found successful use in veterinary medicine. It is considered low-toxic, but to ensure it does not harm your pet, consult a veterinarian before use.
Content
General description
Pyrantel is an anthelmintic drug based on the active ingredient of the same name. It is produced in the form tablets and suspensions. The yellow tablets are round. There's a score line on one side that allows the tablet to be divided into equal parts. They are packaged in blisters of 3 or 6 tablets. The most commonly available tablets in pharmacies contain 250 mg of the active ingredient. In addition to the active ingredient, Pirantel tablets contain calcium stearate, starch, gelatin, talc, and other excipients that generally have no effect on the animal's body.
The suspension is a yellow mass. It is packaged in polymer vials, typically with a capacity of 15 ml. The active ingredient concentration is 50 mg per ml of suspension. Excipients include polysorbate 80, purified water, sucrose, and other ingredients. Since the medication is intended for children, it necessarily contains flavorings.
There are no special storage requirements for this anthelmintic. However, it should be stored away from food and feed, as it contains a toxic substance.
Operating principle
Pyrantel pamoate, the main active ingredient, targets roundworms. The medication works by blocking nerve impulse transmission and impeding normal muscular function. Smooth muscle contractions cause paralysis in the parasites. The medication has virtually no effect on tapeworms and protozoan parasites. In other words, it has a limited spectrum of activity, but effectively kills the following types of parasites:
- roundworms;
- Toxocara;
- hookworms;
- uncinaria, etc.
Pyrantel barely enters the bloodstream. It concentrates primarily in the intestines, making it effective against helminths. The drug kills adult helminths and larvae, but it has no effect on eggs. After administration, helminths stop laying eggs, preventing their spread. This prevents infection of other animals and people. This is especially important in households with multiple pets or small children.
The drug is characterized by rapid action. It begins to act in the intestines immediately after administration. Peak pyrantel concentrations in the blood are reached within a couple of hours. It is eliminated from the body primarily in feces and to some extent in urine.
Can Pirantel be given to dogs?
Pyrantel pamoate is an ingredient in many anthelmintic medications for animals. It is typically combined with other active ingredients, such as praziquantel, febantal, and others. Its content in veterinary medications is low. The concentration of the active ingredient in Pyrantel is designed for humans. Compared to animal medications, it is quite high, so the dosage should be determined by a doctor.
Pyrantel can be given to dogs, but it can only be used to treat helminthic infestations. Since the medication does not work against all types of internal parasites, its use is permitted only after clinical trials and confirmation. species wormsThis medication is not suitable for parasite prevention, as it does not protect against tapeworms. For this purpose, a veterinary medication is recommended. The selection of anthelmintics is now vast, making it easy to find a treatment suitable for puppies and adult dogs.
Please note! Do not self-medicate dogs with Pirantel. Overdosing can cause serious health problems.
When and how to apply?
Pyrantel for dogs is used to treat the following pathologies:
- ascariasis;
- toxocariasis;
- hookworm;
- Uncinaria.
The drug can also be used to treat filariasis, but only the cardiopulmonary form.
The medication should be administered in the morning after meals. The instructions for use of Pirantel do not contain information on dosage or specific use for dogs, as they are written for humans. The usual dosage is 5 mg of active ingredient per 1 kg of body weight. In severe infestations, the dosage may be increased to 10 mg/kg. Only a veterinarian can calculate the exact dosage. They will consider the severity of the infestation, your pet's chronic illnesses, their general well-being, and other factors.
Pyrantel is typically given to dogs as a single dose. If the worm infestation is advanced, the medication should be repeated after 10 days. The medication does not affect the parasite eggs, and during this period, they will enter a different developmental phase. Repeated administration will completely eliminate the worms.
Tablets are rarely used for pets because of their high concentration of the active ingredient. One tablet is sufficient for 50 kg of body weight. For puppies and small breeds, it can be difficult to divide the tablet into several equal parts to avoid exceeding the dosage. Therefore, Pyrantel suspension is more commonly used for dogs. On average, 0.2 ml of the medicinal liquid is required per 1 kg of animal weight.
The pill can be hidden in your pet's favorite treat. If your dog refuses to cooperate with your plan, you'll have to force-feed the medication onto the back of the tongue. A suspension is easier to disguise in ground meat, canned food, or porridge. It has a pleasant smell and a slightly sweet taste. You can also force-feed the medication into the dog's mouth using a syringe without a needle. Other methods give the dog a pill Read on our website.
Limitations and side effects
The instructions state that Pyrantel should not be used if there is an intolerance to any of the ingredients. This also applies to dogs. If you have not previously used Pyrantel-based products, monitor your pet's reaction the first time you use them.
Other contraindications include liver and kidney failure. It is best to avoid using the medication during pregnancy and lactation. If it is necessary to use the medication on females during pregnancy or lactation, administration should be supervised by a doctor. Do not use the medication on puppies under 3 weeks of age or weighing less than 2.5 kg.
Please note! It is strictly forbidden to combine the use of anthelmintic drugs with piperazine.
Pyrantel may cause the following side effects in animals:
- indigestion;
- nausea and vomiting;
- arrhythmia;
- fever;
- tremor of the limbs;
- weakness;
- refusal to eat;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- allergic reactions, etc.
Similar symptoms may also occur in case of overdose. If the dose is exceeded, gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment will be required.
Price
The price of a bottle of Pirantel suspension starts at 70 rubles. A pack of three tablets costs 50-90 rubles. The price range is quite wide, as the medication is produced by different companies. Buy anthelmintic It can be purchased at any pharmacy. The medication is considered affordable and is sold at all drug retailers. Sometimes it's only available with a doctor's prescription.
Owner reviews
Alina, owner of an East European Shepherd:
"I've been using Pirantel for my dog for over 10 years. I first used it on the advice of a woman who's been breeding dogs her entire life. The price is low, and the results are excellent. In all that time, there haven't been any worms. I don't see the point in paying through the nose for over-hyped veterinary medications if they work just as well."
Dmitry, the husky's owner:
"When we got a husky puppy, we were overjoyed. When we noticed worms in his stool, we knew we needed to act immediately. We live in a small town, and the nearest veterinary pharmacy is 25 km away. My wife found some children's Pirantel suspension in the medicine cabinet (she had had problems with worms before). We decided to give it to her. The worms came out of the puppy within two days. We repeated the treatment 10 days later, but the worms were gone. Therefore, I believe the medication is effective."
Veterinarian Reviews
Gennady, a veterinarian from a Moscow clinic:
"Personally, I am categorically against the use of human medications on animals. There's a huge selection of dewormers for dogs and cats available now that are easy to dose, effective, and often even taste good. Don't try to save money at the expense of your pet's health."
Svetlana, a veterinarian with 7 years of experience:
"Pirantel is a universal medication for both humans and animals. I often recommend it for treating helminthic infestations, but only after testing. Both adult pets and puppies tolerate the medication well. There's no need to be wary of using this medication, as it's an ingredient in many anthelmintics. Side effects are extremely rare, and the price is low. The only drawback is that it's not suitable for preventative use."
Read also:
Add a comment