Praziquantel
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Praziquantel during a consultation by Dr Noor in Perth.”
Key Information
- Praziquantel is a parasite-killing medicine used to get rid of tapeworms.
- It can be given with food or on an empty stomach.
- Your veterinarian may tell you to give another treatment again after a few weeks so that any remaining parasites are fully cleared.
- After treatment, you might see dead worms in your pet’s poop, or you might not see any.
- Side effects do not happen often, but they can include throwing up, loose stools, eating less, extra drool, or low energy.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and it does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This is a medicine used to remove parasites.
- It comes as tablets that are given by mouth. Your veterinarian may also give it as a shot at the clinic.
Other common names
Droncit
Uses
Uses approved for animals:
- Getting rid of tapeworms in dogs and cats
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use), such as:
- Treating other gut parasites in dogs and cats
- Treating gut parasites in other kinds of animals
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every pet. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is using
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in:
- Pets that have an allergy to it
- Puppies under 4 weeks of age
- Kittens under 6 weeks of age
- Pets that have parasite infections in the eyes
Use carefully in pets with:
- Liver disease
- Seizure problems
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- You can give it with food or without food.
- If needed, you can crush the tablet and mix it into a small amount of food. Make sure your pet eats all of that food so the full dose is taken.
- Your veterinarian may advise giving another treatment again after a couple of weeks to be sure all parasites are gone.
Side effects
Side effects are not common, but they may include:
- Throwing up, loose stools, or eating less
- Drooling
- Low energy
If this medicine is given as a shot, your pet may have pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Call your veterinarian if any of these problems are serious, keep happening, or get worse.
How will I know it’s working?
- Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- You may not be able to see what this medicine is doing. Dead parasites may or may not show up in the poop.
- Your pet should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
- Your veterinarian may need to do follow-up testing to check how well the medicine worked.
- This medicine stops working within 24 hours after the last dose.
- It may stay in the body longer if your pet’s liver does not work well.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different time periods. Give it for the full length of time your veterinarian tells you.
- It is important to complete the full treatment plan, even if your pet seems better.
Overdose
Possible signs of giving too much include throwing up, loose stools, drooling, acting depressed, muscle shaking, or trouble moving normally.
If you see or think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it down a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it in a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
- This medicine removes parasites but it does not stop your pet from getting them again. Talk with your veterinarian about parasite prevention.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”