GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Implementing an effective parasite control is an important part of your pet’s preventative health program. Parasites can impact your pet’s health and some intestinal parasites or worms can infect humans. Internal parasites can be found in pets that appear healthy and infected animals can continue to contribute to the spread of eggs in the environment. Each antiparasitic or anthelmintic (dewormer) drug will vary in its effectiveness in targeting different parasites.
Praziquantel kills tapeworms and is available as chewable or regular tablets or as an injection that can be given at your veterinarian’s clinic.
WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT?
- An anthelmintic (dewormer) for dogs and cats
- Given by mouth or by an injection at your veterinarian’s clinic
REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:
To kill the tapeworm in dogs and cats that may be contracted from fleas, rodents or rabbits.
WHAT DOGS/CATS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?
- Praziquantel is safe to use in breeding and pregnant animals
- Puppies less than 4 weeks of age and weighing less than 2 pounds
- Kittens less than 6 weeks of age and weighing less than 1.5 pounds
- This medication is not effective against external parasites
- This medication is not effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms or heartworms
- If your pet has had an allergic reaction to Praziquantel or like products before
Directions
The injectable form is given by your veterinarian in the muscle (intramuscularly) or under the skin (subcutaneously).
For oral formulations, read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. This medication may be a life long medication.
The frequency of deworming is dependent upon your pet’s lifestyle and risk level for internal parasites. A single treatment may be sufficient, but a second dose 2-4 weeks later is recommended if re-infection is likely.
Re-infection is possible if there is a heavy, uncontrolled flea problem or if the pet eats mice or rabbits. Young animals need to be tested and dewormed frequently according to a worming schedule given to you by your veterinarian.
If your animal has a large load of tapeworms, deceased worms may be observed in the feces a few days after treatment. Usually however, they are digested and will not be seen. Hookworms and roundworms may be observed in the feces a few days after treatment with a combination product.
This medication may be given with or without food. Fasting is not necessarily required prior to administration or recommended. Tablets may be crumbled or mixed in the food.
Ensure your pet has plenty of food and fresh, clean drinking water while taking this medication.
Ensure that the entire dose has been swallowed. If you have any difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, but its effects may not be visibly noticeable for a few days.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily. Call ahead for refills.
What if a dose is missed?
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving this medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- Risk factors and common signs of intestinal parasites
- Strategic deworming schedules if you have a puppy, a breeding dog or a kennel-type facility
- When your pet will need to be rechecked
- What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
- What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell to your veterinarian about:
- If your pet has experienced side effects on other drugs/products
- If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
- If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Not for human use. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Do not allow pets to eat rodents or rabbits. Pet feces should be removed daily and the premises kept clean.
Maintain good personal hygiene as some parasites can pose a risk to human health. To maintain an environment that has low levels of infected eggs or larvae, pet feces and soiled litter should be removed daily and the premises kept clean.
Potential Side Effects
- The oral form tastes bitter
- Side effects are rare, but oral forms of Praziquantel may cause drooling, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea
- Praziquantel injections tend to sting. Your pet may scratch at the injection site or cry immediately following the injection. Dogs may vomit and experience a brief period of incoordination. Some cats may experience weakness, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and a temporary loss of appetite.
- If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
- This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease
Can this drug be given with other medications?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving Praziquantel in conjunction with albendazole, cimetidine, dexamethasone, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital and rifampin.
Yes, but some side effects occur more if using pyrantel pamoate combination products at the same time as organophosphate (found in some flea and tick products) or diethylcarbamazine (once-a-day heartworm preventives)
Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Praziquantel
Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
To maximize the benefit of deworming, it is best to treat all animals in the environment. Periodic fecal exams are recommended to monitor your pet’s health, deworming effectiveness and reexposure to parasites.
Some intestinal parasites can infect humans. Strict hygienic precautions should be observed when handling infected pets and their feces. Consult your veterinarian or family doctor to discuss how to prevent human infection and reinfection of your pet.
Proper flea control is important as the flea can play a role in the life-cycle of tapeworms. When dealing with a flea infestation, it is important to treat all animals within the household and the environment. Speak to your veterinarian about approved and safe products for all household pets. If fleas are already developing in your house, ask your veterinarian to recommend a premises control product as well.
As with all prescribed medicines, Praziquantel should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about Praziquantel. If you have any questions or concerns about Praziquantel or the condition for which it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
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