General Drug Information and Indications

Anthelmintic for tapeworms (Cestodes) in horses, dogs, and cats; effective against all common equine tapeworm species. Isoquinoline anthelmintic (praziquantel). Mechanism: causes calcium influx through calcium channels in cestode tegument → muscle spasm and paralysis → loss of tegument integrity → worm disintegration. Effective against all stages of tapeworms (Anoplocephala in horses; Dipylidium, Taenia in dogs/cats). Rapid-acting. Key information Injectable praziquantel — cestocidal. Subcutaneous injection. Store at room temperature. Injection site reactions possible.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Injectable: administer IM or SQ at labeled dose. Oral (horses — combination anthelmintic): administer via dose syringe or as directed. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This product is given as a single dose or as part of a defined protocol. Contact your veterinarian if a scheduled administration was missed. Contact your veterinarian.

Side Effects

GI: salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia (mild, transient). Lethargy (transient). Rare: ataxia (at high doses). Generally very well tolerated at labeled doses.

Precautions

For animals Generally well tolerated. Verify diagnosis. Single dose typically effective for tapeworms. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Anthelmintic — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Praziquantel overdose causes salivation, vomiting, and ataxia.

Praziquantel Inj dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
PRAZIQUANTEL INJ 56.8 MG/ML 10ML56.8 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)