Praziquantel for Cats: Overview and Side Effects
Praziquantel is very effective against both of these tapeworms, with a single dose often being sufficient. However, some veterinarians might recommend repeating a dose in two to three weeks, depending on the form of praziquantel being used.
Praziquantel for cats is a common medication used almost exclusively to treat tapeworm infections. In this article you’ll learn what praziquantel is, how it works and when it’s used, potential side effects to consider, and some frequently asked questions.
About Praziquantel for Cats
Praziquantel API is an anthelmintic (dewormer) used to treat cestodes, commonly known as tapeworms.
Praziquantel works by interacting with components of the tapeworm’s skin, causing electrolyte disturbances that paralyze the tapeworm's sucker function. This interaction also leads to the disintegration of the worm at specific sites of its outer skin layer, making it susceptible to digestion by the host (the cat).
While praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating tapeworms, it is not effective against other types of intestinal parasites. To provide broader spectrum coverage, several products combine praziquantel with other deworming agents.
Praziquantel is FDA-approved for treating specific tapeworms in cats. However, it may be used off-label for a few less common tapeworms and certain lungworms (trematodes or flukes).
What Does Praziquantel Do for Cats?
In cats, praziquantel is FDA-approved for treating the tapeworms Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis.
Of the two, Dipylidium caninum is the most commonly seen in cats. Cats typically acquire this tapeworm by ingesting an infected flea containing the infective stage of the tapeworm, called the cysticercoid. This type of tapeworm is frequently reported in cats recently adopted or arriving from shelters with fleas. Even if the fleas have been effectively treated, the tapeworms might not appear in the cat’s stool for two to three weeks. Ironically, even a cat on flea prevention can still acquire this tapeworm if the cat hunts and ingests a flea from the environment.
Cats can acquire Taenia taeniaeformis by preying on rodents or other small animals that contain the encysted larval stage of the tapeworm. Taenia infection is most common in outdoor cats that actively hunt and ingest their prey.
Tapeworm eggs do not commonly present in stool samples, but cat owners often see small, rice-like worm segments around their cat’s bottom or in fresh stool. While tapeworms can lead to weight loss, initially, most cats with tapeworms show no signs of disease.
Praziquantel is very effective against both of these tapeworms, with a single dose often being sufficient. However, some veterinarians might recommend repeating a dose in two to three weeks, depending on the form of praziquantel being used.
Side Effects of Praziquantel for Cats
Fortunately, praziquantel for cats often tolerate praziquantel very well, with fewer than 2% showing adverse effects in field studies.
When side effects do occur, the most commonly reported signs are hypersalivation (drooling) and diarrhea. In cats with higher worm burdens, diarrhea may be seen as the worms are dying and being broken down by the body.
Praziquantel should not be used in kittens younger than 6 weeks of age. It appears to be safe for use in pregnant queens, though caution should be taken if using a combination product, as other ingredients might not be approved for pregnancy. Praziquantel also appears to be safe for use in queens when the kittens are still nursing, though it should not be used on the kittens themselves.
Praziquantel has a very wide margin of safety when used properly. However, very high overdoses (at least more than 10 times the appropriate dosage) can have concerning effects, including vomiting, muscle tremors, difficulty walking, depression, and even death.
In Summary
Praziquantel is a dewormer used primarily to treat tapeworms in cats. While it is highly effective against tapeworms, it does not have a broad spectrum against other intestinal worms. However, it can be combined with other products to provide broader coverage. Praziquantel is generally well-tolerated in cats, with both oral and topical forms available for use.
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