Poliverkan for cats
Poliverkan is a complex anthelmintic drug used in cats for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. It is effective against roundworms and tapeworms, yet has low toxicity. The formula for this antiparasitic medication was developed by the French company Ceva Sante Animal.
Content
General description
Poliverkan is available as sugar cubes for oral administration. They are light yellow in color. A groove in the center allows the cube to be divided into two equal parts. This makes it easy to measure the correct amount for small pets and prevent overdose.
The briquettes are packaged in blisters of 8. Each briquette is additionally packaged in a cardboard box and comes with instructions for use. To preserve the medicinal properties of Poliverkan, follow a few simple rules:
- Choose a storage location away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain storage temperature between 0 and 25˚C.
- Place in a dry place.
Please note: This medicine contains toxic substances, so keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Composition and action
Poliverkan is a complex antiparasitic medication. Its broad spectrum of action is due to two active ingredients:
- Niclosamide is capable of killing tapeworms. This active ingredient works by disrupting the parasites' absorption of glucose, which serves as their energy source. One of the substance's key features is that it is virtually not absorbed in the animal's intestines and is excreted unchanged.
- Oxibendazole has a similar mechanism of action but is effective against roundworms. It disrupts glucose transport and negatively impacts other vital processes in the parasites, leading to their rapid death. It is partially absorbed in the intestines and excreted in the urine.
Poliverkan is effective against cestodes and nematodes at all stages of their development, but does not cause toxicity or other adverse effects on cats when used according to the instructions. Sucrose is used as an auxiliary component in the medication, giving the cubes a sweet taste.
When and how to use
Anthelmintic drug prescribed for the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestations:
- toxascariasis;
- Uncinaria blight;
- diphyllobothriasis;
- hookworm;
- toxacariasis.
If the drug is used for treatment, it is given twice with a 10-day interval. When using the drug for prophylactic purposes deworming are carried out once a quarter. Additionally, Poliverkan should be given before mating and vaccination, since worms can significantly reduce immunity, which can cause serious health problems in the future.
The dosage is calculated based on the pet’s weight:
- for kittens weighing 0.5-1 kg you need a quarter of a briquette;
- For adult cats and kittens weighing from 1 to 5 kg, you will need half a sugar cube.
Please note! If your pet weighs more than 5 kg, consult a veterinarian. They will help you calculate the correct dosage based on your pet's characteristics, health, and other factors.
Poliverkan can be given in different ways:
- Crush the cube and sprinkle it over a small amount of food;
- Dissolve the medicine in a small amount of water and then give it to the animal to drink using a syringe without a needle.
The instructions do not specify a fasting diet or laxatives before taking the antiparasitic medication. Since the components are virtually not absorbed, they effectively kill intestinal parasites.
It is not recommended to break the dosage regimen, especially during treatment. The active ingredients have a weak effect on worm eggs, so a repeat dose is required after 10 days to kill any worms that may hatch. If you miss a dose, the larvae may mature and lay more eggs.
Price
The price of a package of Poliverkan ranges from 400 to 550 rubles, but many pharmacies also sell individual cat briquettes. Each cube costs 65-75 rubles. You can purchase it at a regular veterinary pharmacy or pet store, or online.
Contraindications and restrictions
Contraindications for the use of Poliverkan for cats are:
- individual intolerance to the components included in the composition;
- liver dysfunction and severe diseases of this organ;
- kittens are up to 30 days old.
Please note! The instructions do not include instructions regarding use during pregnancy or lactation, so be sure to consult your veterinarian.
It is not recommended to combine the use of Poliverkan with other antiparasitic drugs, as this may increase their toxicity and the risk of side effects.
When handling this medication, general precautions must be followed. People with hypersensitivity should avoid direct contact with the medication, as there is a risk of allergic reactions. Medication packaging should not be used for household purposes.
Side effects
When administered at the recommended dose, the antiparasitic medication is well tolerated by cats of all breeds and ages (from 1 month). Hypersensitivity to the components may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Subsequent use of Poliverkan is discontinued; symptomatic treatment is prescribed if necessary. Severe worm infestation may result in poisoning. In this case, consult a veterinarian, who will prescribe medication based on the pet's symptoms and overall condition.
Overdose may cause the following side effects:
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat;
- increased salivation;
- apathy and depression.
In this case, it is necessary to flush the animal’s stomach, and then, if necessary, apply symptomatic treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages
The drug has many advantages:
- It has a broad spectrum of action and destroys tapeworms and roundworms of various types.
- It is characterized by high efficiency.
- Easy to use, can be mixed with food or diluted in water.
- It has a minimal list of contraindications.
- No special storage conditions are required. Can be stored for 4 years from the date of production.
- Suitable for medicinal and preventive purposes.
- Can be used for cats of different breeds.
In addition, it is low-toxic compared to drugs based on pyrantela.
The disadvantages of the drug include the following:
- It is not available in all pharmacies, and the problem is especially relevant for residents of small towns.
- May cause side effects.
- Requires strict adherence to dosage, otherwise there is a high risk of digestive system problems or poisoning.
- It has virtually no effect on parasite eggs, so in case of infestations, a double dose is required.
Owner reviews
Anna, owner of a Japanese bobtail:
"I used Poliverkan to prevent worms in my pets—a 4-year-old cat and a 7-year-old dachshund. While the dog ate sugar cubes straight from my palm, the cat proved more difficult. I had to pour the medicine dissolved in water into him. He resisted, leaving me and the whole room sticky. There were no side effects, but in the future, I'll continue to buy tablets for the cat."
Antonina, owner of two cats:
"We have two cats. In the summer, they spend most of their time outside, as the whole family moves to our dacha. Therefore, we deworm them regularly. We used to buy suspensions. We tried different brands, but the result was always the same: excessive salivation. Giving them tablets proved even more difficult. On the vet's recommendation, we bought Poliverkan. We gave it diluted. The cats didn't resist the sugary water. There was no drooling, and no worms. It's a good product. I recommend it to other pet owners."
Veterinarian Reviews
Timur, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:
"I often prescribe Poliverkan for kittens and adult cats. The medication is low-toxic and, in my experience, rarely causes side effects. It's an excellent option for parasite prevention, but for treatment, I usually choose stronger medications, as sugar cubes may not be effective in completely eliminating parasites. I also use this medication for my other pets—two British Shorthair cats and a 3-year-old Pekingese."
Olga Andreevna, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:
"I rarely use Poliverkan in my practice. If I do prescribe it, it's only for dogs, but for cats I choose more proven products, for example, Drontal Or Cestal. My colleagues are divided on this medication: some consider it quite safe, while others consider it deadly, as there have been cases of kitten deaths. But I believe this is the fault of the owners, who miscalculate the dosage. It's still best to consult a qualified veterinarian before use."
Read also:
Add a comment