Praziquantel for cats

Praziquantel for cats, a familiar product to many pet owners, is available in several pharmaceutical forms. This antiparasitic medication is effectively used to treat and prevent helminthic infestations, and topical drops also help protect against ectoparasites.

Composition and release form

A key advantage of this medication is that it is available in several dosage forms. Furthermore, Api-San, the company that produces this medication, has developed several formulations for adult cats and kittens. This allows pet owners to easily select the most convenient and safe dosage form.

Suspension

Contains three active ingredients:

• pyrantel pamoate;
• praziquantel;
• fenbendazole.

The light yellow suspension is packaged in polymer bottles with a capacity of 5 to 15 ml. The manufacturer states that the medication has a pleasant sweet taste, which is why some animals lick it off. Praziquantel suspension is also available for kittens. The main difference is the lower concentration of active ingredients.

Pills

If tablets are used, the following components have a detrimental effect on parasites:

• praziquantel;
• pyrantel pamoate.

They are white or white-gray in color, small in size, and round in shape. Each tablet weighs 0.2 mg. They are packaged in blisters of six.

Drops for external use

Drops applied to the withers have a broader spectrum of action. In addition to helminths, they can kill ticks, fleas, and other ectoparasites. The product is based on several active ingredients:

• ivermectin;
• levamisole;
• praziquantel;
• thiamethoxam.

The light yellow, clear liquid is sold in small polymer pipettes. Depending on whether Prazicid Complex is intended for cats or kittens, the pipettes contain different amounts of the medication. The divisions help ensure proper dosing and safe use of this Class III hazard medication.

How it works and when it is used

Regardless of the dosage form, the medication contains components that disrupt nerve impulse transmission due to changes at the cellular level. As a result, the parasites suffer paralysis and subsequently die. The key feature that determines the drug's effectiveness is that it targets parasites at all stages of development, including eggs and larvae.

Tablets and suspension are used for the treatment and prevention of:

• nematodoses;
• cestodiasis;
• mixed invasions.

The drug is effective against all known types of roundworms and tapeworms. Prazicid complex (drops) has a broader spectrum of action, as it kills not only internal but also external parasites. It is also used to get rid of fleas, lice, and ticks (including ixodid) and other ectoparasites, as well as prevention of their occurrence.

The instructions for use indicate that using the drug in recommended doses does not pose a danger to cats, but before using Praziquantel, you should consult a veterinarian.

Instructions for use

Dosage and administration instructions depend directly on the dosage form. The medication always comes with instructions, so be sure to read them before use.

How to take suspension and tablets?

Both the suspension and tablets are intended for oral administration. Keep in mind that one tablet is sufficient for 3 kg of body weight. For small pets, it's difficult to accurately calculate the dosage, so it's wiser to opt for the suspension.

When using it, you will need 1 ml of suspension per kilogram of body weight. The required amount can be measured using the dosing syringe included with the bottle. The medication may separate, so shake the bottle well.

To ensure that the use of Praziquantel for kittens and adults is effective, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:

1. The medicine should be given in the morning, preferably before meals.
2. There is no need to follow special fasting diets, colon cleansing or other preparatory measures.
3. The medication can be placed on the back of the tongue or mixed with a small amount of food. If you choose the latter option, ensure your pet consumes the entire treat.
4. The medication is administered once. For severe infestations, the procedure may be repeated after 10-14 days, but only as directed by a doctor.

If the medication is used for preventive purposes, the dose should be repeated once a quarter. Also deworming must be carried out a week before vaccination.

Features of using drops

Praziquantel Complex drops are used for topical treatment. Apply the drops to clean, intact skin between the shoulder blades or on the neck to prevent the animal from licking them off. Follow the recommended dosage:

1. For kittens weighing less than 1 kg, one 0.3 ml pipette is needed.
2. For kittens weighing more than 1 kg, you should take 2 pipettes of 0.3 ml.
3. For cats weighing up to 5 kg, one 0.85 ml pipette is required.
4. For cats weighing over 5 kg, take 2 pipettes of 0.85 ml.

If the drug is used to eliminate parasites, the procedure is performed once. When used for preventative purposes, the recommended regimens should be followed:

• to prevent helminth infection once every three months;
• for the prevention of ectoparasites monthly during the entire period of their activity.

For demodicosis, notoedrosis, and sarcoptosis, squeeze the medicinal liquid onto a cotton swab and wipe the affected areas of skin. It is important to prevent the medication from entering the animal's body. A collar, cervical collar, or tape can be used for this purpose. The protection can be removed after the medication has completely dried. The scabs should be removed beforehand. For severe infestations, repeat the procedure after 10-14 days.

When using the drops, it's important to take precautions. Wash your hands thoroughly after use. Avoid handling or petting the animal for two days, and keep it away from small children.

Contraindications and side effects

Kittens can be given Prazicid suspension after 21 days of age, but treatment with drops is only permitted after 2 months of age. The following contraindications should be avoided:

• pregnancy and lactation period;
• intolerance to the components;
• the recovery period after operations and serious illnesses;
• infectious diseases;
• exhaustion.

If your animal has liver or kidney problems, you should consult a veterinarian.

You should not combine Praziquantel with other antiparasitic drugs, as this increases the risk of poisoning.

In rare cases, the drug causes side effects:

• foaming at the mouth;
• vomiting and nausea;
• indigestion.

Exceeding the recommended doses may be accompanied by the appearance of unpleasant phenomena:

• weakness and apathy;
• depressed state;
• increased salivation;
• disorders of the stomach and intestines;
• anxiety, etc.

If such symptoms occur, measures should be taken to eliminate the medication from the body. Be sure to consult a doctor.

Price

The cost of Praziquantel for cats depends on the dosage form:

• drops for adult animals – from 330 rubles;
• drops for kittens – from 275 rubles;
• suspension for cats (7 ml) – from 250 rubles;
• suspension for kittens (5 ml) – from 250 rubles;
• tablets (6 pcs.) – from 210 rubles.

Owner reviews

Raisa, owner of a 10-month-old cat:

"After a summer at the dacha, I decided to treat him for fleas. I bought Prazicid Complex and used it according to the instructions. After a while, his pupils dilated, his gait became unsteady, and he completely refused to eat. When our little furball became really ill, we went to the hospital. They gave him several injections. I don't recommend it! It's life-threatening for pets."

Vadim, the owner of the Cymric:

"We use the suspension for preventative deworming. I don't know about treatment, but it's good for prevention. Our cat tolerates it well, and there have been no side effects, although I've seen a lot of negative reviews online. I guess it all depends on the individual animal."

Victor, the owner of three kittens:

"This is pure poison. Never buy this medication. I used it for preventative deworming of kittens. One died on the first night. They tried to save two of them at the hospital, but the treatment was ineffective, and the kittens died a few days later. Veterinarians confirmed that Praziquantel caused the severe poisoning, even though I didn't exceed the recommended dose."

Veterinarian Reviews

Alexey, veterinarian:

"I don't recommend using Praziquantel, or other broad-spectrum antiparasitic medications. It's a very strong poison that can cause serious health problems. For parasite protection, it's better to use German or French products, which are safer for animals. Don't skimp on your pets; they could pay with their lives."

Marina, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:

"I think Praziquantel's advantages include its broad spectrum of action and its affordable price. Unfortunately, however, it often causes side effects. Pharmacies are now full of safer parasite control products. Personally, I don't yet trust domestically produced medications."

Read also:

• Otodectin for cats
• IN-AP complex for cats
• Intestinal parasites in cats