Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. He completed a rotating internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and now works as a general practitioner in the Washington D.C. area. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthcopyw...
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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.
Medication Type: Anthelmintic dewormer Form: Tablets, topical solution Prescription Required?: Some products may be available over the counter; others, especially some products combined with other drugs, may be prescription only. FDA-Approved?: Yes (Droncit, Drontal, Profender, Centragard) Life Stage: Cats and kittens aged 8 weeks and older for most products. Centragard is labeled for cats and kittens over 7 weeks. Brand Names: Droncit, Drontal, Profender, Centragard, generics Common Names: Praziquantel. Drontal and Centragard also contain other deworming drug ingredients. Available Dosages: Droncit 23 mg tablets, Profender (praziquantel 7.94% and emodepside 1.98%) in 0.35 ml (2.2 to 5.5 lb), 0.7 ml (5.5 to 11 lb), and 1.12 ml (11.1 to 17.6 lb). Centragard (praziquantel 83 mg/ml and eprinomectin 4 mg/ml) in 0.3 ml (1.8 to 5.5 lb) and 0.9ml (5.6 to 16.5 lb). Drontal Tablets (praziquantel 18.2 mg/pyrantel pamoate base 72.6 mg). Expiration Range: Products should be used before the expiration on the package.Praziquantel for Cats Overview
Praziquantel is an anthelmintic (dewormer) which is used for the treatment of cestodes, also called tapeworms.
Praziquantel works by interacting with components of the tapeworm&#;s skin, causing electrolyte disturbance. This paralyzes the tapeworm&#;s sucker function. It also leads to disintegration of the worm at specific sites of its outer skin layer, which ultimately makes it susceptible to being digested by the host (the cat).
Although praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating tapeworms, it is not considered effective against other types of intestinal parasites. Several products contain combinations of praziquantel with other deworming agents to provide a broader spectrum of coverage.
Praziquantel is FDA-approved for treating specific tapeworms in cats, but it may be used in an off-label manner for a few less common tapeworms, as well as certain lungworms (also called trematodes or flukes).
Also Read: Cat Intestinal Parasites: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
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 it by ingesting an infected flea containing the infective stage of the tapeworm called the cysticercoid.
Dipylidium is most commonly reported in cats recently adopted or arriving from shelters who had fleas. Even if the fleas have been effectively treated, the tapeworms might not show up 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 cats that go outdoors that are engaged actively in hunting and ingesting 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. Tapeworms can lead to weight loss, though 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.
Also Read: Vet Approved Cat Stool Chart: Decoding Your Cat&#;s Poop
Fortunately, cats often tolerate praziquantel very well with fewer than 2% of cats 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 is sometimes 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. Praziquantel appears to be safe to use in pregnant queens, though caution should be taken if using a combination product, as other ingredients might not carry approvals for pregnancy. It also appears to be safe to use praziquantel in the queen 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.
If you are ever concerned that your cat might have developed side effects while using praziquantel, or if an overdose is suspected, make sure to contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-), or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-) immediately for further advice.
Also Read: Drug Poisoning In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Praziquantel comes most commonly in two forms, either as an oral tablet or as a topical solution applied to the skin, similar to some flea/tick products like Frontline or Revolution.
Droncit, a brand of oral praziquantel manufactured by Bayer Animal Health, which is FDA-approved for use in cats and kittens at least 6 weeks old, has the following dosage instructions using the 23 milligram tablet:
Drontal, also manufactured by Bayer Animal Health, contains pyrantel pamoate in addition to praziquantel. This increases the spectrum of action to include hookworms and roundworms and is FDA-approved for use in cats and kittens at least 2 months of age and weighing at least 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms).
Drontal tablets for cats and kittens contain 18.2 milligrams praziquantel and 72.6 milligrams pyrantel. The following dosage instructions are provided according to the manufacturer:
One dose is often sufficient for both Drontal and Droncit, but some veterinarians might recommend a second dose in two to three weeks, especially with high parasite burdens.
Profender, manufactured by Bayer Animal Health, provides a non-oral option to treat cats for tapeworms. In addition to tapeworms, it is also indicated for treating roundworms and hookworms.
Profender comes in three dosage sizes:
For cats weighing more than this, the manufacturer recommends combining the appropriate sizes to treat for the full weight of the cat. For example, a cat weighing 20 pounds would get both a large dose and a small dose applied topically.
Profender is administered similar to topical flea/tick preventative medications by applying the solution to the skin at the back of the neck or base of the head by parting the fur. For Profender, the cap must be removed, turned over, placed into the tip of the tube and twisted to break the seal before applying.
Profender lasts for 30 days, so in most cases, a single application is all that is needed to treat a tapeworm infection, as long as the underlying source (fleas or predation of a smaller tapeworm host) is addressed.
Centragard, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, is another topical product that treats tapeworms. Centragard contains praziquantel as well as eprinomectin. In addition to treating tapeworms, Centragard also treats roundworms and hookworms, and prevents mosquito-borne heartworm disease. Centragard is FDA-approved for cats and kittens at least 7 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.8 pounds.
Centragard comes in two dosage sizes:
Similar to Profender, cats weighing more than 16.5 pounds should receive a combination. The manufacturer recommends combining the 0.9ml with an additional 0.3ml size for cats weighing up to 22 pounds, and combining two of the 0.9ml sizes for cats weighing 22.1 to 33 pounds.
To apply Centragard, which comes in a syringe with a plunger, slightly pull the plunger back, remove the cap, then apply the product to the skin between parted fur at the base of the head/back of the neck.
Like Profender, Centragard also stays in effect for 30 days, effectively treating most tapeworm infections with a single application.
After providing tapeworm treatment to your cat, the best way to determine if any further doses may be needed is to monitor for any reoccurring rice-like segments around your cat&#;s anal area or on fresh stool. Tapeworm eggs do not present in most fecal samples run using traditional methods at veterinary clinics and labs.
Also Read: Cat Suddenly Lethargic and Weak: Causes & Treatment
Praziquantel is a dewormer used primarily to treat tapeworms in cats. It does not otherwise have a very broad spectrum against other intestinal worms, though may be combined with other products to provide better coverage. It is generally well-tolerated with both oral and topical forms being available for use in cats.
Drug Dosing Disclaimer: We are only able to provide doses for medications that are FDA approved for use in cats and only as the label guidelines dictate. For medications that are used off-label we can only provide guidelines and safety information for use. Safe and appropriate dosing for off-label medications can only be determined by a primary care veterinarian.
We encourage you to work with your veterinarian to determine if a particular medication is appropriate for your cat. Changing or adjusting a dose for your cat on your own without consulting with a veterinarian can carry risk. We do not encourage use of medications prescribed for human use in pets without first consulting with a primary care veterinarian.
How long does it take for praziquantel to work in cats?
Praziquantel generally works pretty quickly after being administered, usually within 24 hours. In dogs, peak concentrations occur within 30 minutes to two hours, and the effect is likely similar in cats. The drug is then readily taken in by the parasite, leading quickly to paralysis, death, and ultimate digestion by the host (the cat).
What does praziquantel treat in cats?
Praziquantel is used primarily to treat tapeworms in cats, and is FDA-approved for treating the most common ones, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. It can also be used in an off-label manner to treat some less common tapeworms as well as trematodes or flukes, which are other types of parasitic worms.
Do you need a prescription for praziquantel for cats?
Depending on the product, praziquantel may be obtained without a prescription. However, some products, especially those in combination with other drugs, may require one.
How many praziquantel tablets do I give my cat?
This may depend on the product being used, but for 23 milligram praziquantel tablets as found in Droncit for Cats, the dosing is as follows, according to the manufacturer:
Cats 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) and under: 0.5 tablets
Cats 5 to 11 pounds (2.3 to 5 kilograms): 1 tablet
Cats more than 11 pounds (5 kilograms): 1.5 tablets
If you don&#;t have this tablet size or brand, or if you have a product intended for dogs, do not administer this to your cat without first consulting with your veterinarian for safety information and proper dosing if possible.
Amoxicillin treats bacterial infections in cats
Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infections in cats.
The standard amoxicillin dosage for cats varies by the type of infection, but doses range between 10&#;22 mg/kg.
The most common side effects of amoxicillin in cats are digestive system issues such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Do not give amoxicillin to cats allergic to penicillin or penicillin drugs.
Amoxicillin is a bactericidal antibiotic commonly used in cats and dogs. It&#;s related to penicillin, but animals absorb it better, and the drug stays active longer. Amoxicillin, penicillin, and similar drugs called beta-lactams kill bacteria by blocking their ability to make cell walls. They essentially punch holes in bacteria cell walls, causing them to die. Amoxicillin has FDA approval to work against a large variety of feline bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, soft tissue infections, skin infections, and intestinal infections. However, veterinarians may use it off-label for other types of bacterial infections.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Is Praziquantel Safe with Amoxicillin for Cats.
RELATED: Save up to 80% on amoxicillin
What is amoxicillin used for in cats?
Veterinarians use amoxicillin to eradicate bacterial infections in cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use in cats to treat bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, digestive system, skin, soft tissues, skin, and urinary tract. Amoxicillin cannot fight off every type of bacterial infection. It&#;s most effective against anaerobic bacteria that don&#;t need oxygen as long as they haven&#;t developed resistance to drugs that work like amoxicillin called beta-lactams.
Urinary tract infections
UTIs, particularly bladder infections, commonly involve common bacteria that can be killed by amoxicillin, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli. Amoxicillin can&#;t treat all possible bacterial infections. Veterinarians will make their best prediction about the infecting agent and the appropriate antibiotic based on the nature of the case.
Gastrointestinal infections
Many bacteria that cause UTIs normally live harmlessly in the intestines, but they can sometimes cause problems there, too. Amoxicillin is a first-line treatment for these infections. Additionally, some cats are infected by a type of stomach bacteria called Helicobacter. Though veterinarians are uncertain, Helicobacter stomach infections may sometimes cause stomach lining irritation. Some veterinarians will use amoxicillin or another antibiotic off-label if the cat shows signs of stomach irritation or ulceration, such as chronic vomiting or lack of appetite.
Upper respiratory tract infections
Some upper respiratory tract infections in cats, such as tonsillitis and tracheobronchitis, are caused by bacteria susceptible to amoxicillin. Again, the veterinarian will start amoxicillin or another antibiotic based on their best deduction of the bacteria involved. However, repeated infections may require tests to determine the precise bacteria involved.
Skin and soft tissue infections
Skin infections such as bacterial dermatitis and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, lacerations, and wounds are also commonly caused by amoxicillin-susceptible bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Again, these bacteria are so common that veterinarians usually start amoxicillin therapy based on the evidence they observe. If the prescribed antibiotic doesn&#;t work, they&#;ll take a sample and test it.
Is amoxicillin safe for cats?
Penicillins like amoxicillin are among the most commonly used antibiotics in veterinary medicine. Amoxicillin is effective, safe, well-studied, and has few side effects. Its one drawback is its potential to provoke an allergic reaction, which is true of antibiotics. Cats who have had any kind of allergic reaction to penicillin or penicillin drugs should not be given amoxicillin.
It&#;s also possible that cats who have had an allergic reaction to drugs that work like amoxicillin may have a reaction to amoxicillin itself. Tell the veterinarian about any allergic reaction a cat might have had to previous medications.
Cats with sepsis, shock, or severe illness should not be given oral antibiotics. They may be too sick to absorb the medicine, so injections are required.
Side effects of amoxicillin in cats
The most common side effects of amoxicillin in cats are:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
The most severe adverse reactions are allergic reactions. Mild penicillin reactions might cause hives, rashes, or itching. Though not life-threatening, an allergic reaction to amoxicillin means the drug must be stopped before anything worse happens. Discontinue the drug and call the veterinarian. It may help to take pictures of the skin rash or welts.
Penicillins can also rapidly bring on an uncommon but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which causes blood pressure to drop as well as swelling that can tighten or close off the throat and airways. Symptoms appear shortly after a dose is given and can worsen rapidly. These include:
Skin swelling
Difficulty breathing (wheezing, rapid breathing)
Weak but rapid pulse
Acting dizzy
Fainting
Anaphylaxis is a veterinary emergency. The cat must be immediately taken to an open veterinary clinic or hospital.
Interactions of amoxicillin with other pet meds
As with all drugs, problems may arise when amoxicillin is combined with other drugs, but the list of drug interactions isn&#;t lengthy. For amoxicillin veterinarians are most concerned about combining amoxicillin with:
Antibiotics that prevent the growth of bacteria without actually killing them, like
macrolide antibiotics
,
tetracyclines
, and
sulfa drugs
The anticancer drug methotrexate
If you&#;re giving your cat dietary supplements, herbal remedies, or other over-the-counter medicines such as CBD to your cat, you probably don&#;t need to stop when the cat is on amoxicillin. However, check with the veterinarian before combining amoxicillin with these products.
Amoxicillin dosage for cats
Amoxicillin dosages will vary depending on the infection. Both doses and duration can vary, but for most susceptible bacterial infections, the recommended dosage is 50 mg per cat or 11-22 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight (about 5-10 mg/lb) for five to seven days (as long as symptoms last) and for two days after symptoms have gone away.
In determining an appropriate dose of amoxicillin, veterinarians make a distinction between two types of bacteria: gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. These two major types of bacteria have structurally different cell walls. Penicillins work on both, but dosages may need to be higher for gram-negative bacteria.
Plumb&#;s Veterinary Drug Manual lists the following amoxicillin dosages for cats:
10 mg/kg taken by mouth two to three times per day
10-22 mg/kg taken by mouth two to three times per day
11-15 mg/kg taken by mouth every 8-12 hours for 3-5 days.
20 mg/kg taken by mouth two times per day for 14 days in combination with the antibiotics metronidazole and clarithromycin
22-30 mg/kg injections or by mouth every 8 hours for as long as necessary
Can cats overdose on amoxicillin?
Too much amoxicillin is not considered a health threat but can lead to digestive system problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Call a veterinary hospital, veterinarian, or animal poison control center for advice if a cat is given too much amoxicillin.
Can I give my cat amoxicillin every day?
Cats can be given amoxicillin every day for a few days. It&#;s safe if given to the cat exactly as the veterinarian prescribes.
The cat must get every dose on time for the full prescribed duration. Missing doses allow the bacteria to start growing and possibly develop resistance to the drug. Stopping the drug may result in the infection roaring back to life.
Long-term use is equally bad. Amoxicillin affects bacteria colonies throughout the body, most of which are beneficial. Overusing an antibiotic disrupts the delicate balance of organisms in the body, resulting in serious infections. It also increases the risk of bacteria mutating into drug-resistant forms.
How to give your cat amoxicillin
The veterinarian sends owners home with amoxicillin tablets or amoxicillin suspension in formulations appropriate for cats, such as brand-name Amoxi-Tabs. Cats can be given human formulations of amoxicillin only under the direction of a veterinary professional.
Follow all the veterinarian&#;s instructions.
Don&#;t miss doses.
Give every dose following the dosing schedule for the full duration of treatment, even if the cat seems fully recovered.
Amoxicillin can be given with or without food.
If the cat vomits after a dose or shows other signs of digestive upset, try giving the tablet or solution by mouth.
If you don&#;t know how to give your cat a tablet, ask a veterinary professional to demonstrate the best technique. Alternatively, ask the veterinarian for a liquid version for easier dosing.
When dosing the cat with the liquid suspension:
Shake the bottle before each dose to evenly mix the medicine with the water.
Measure each dose with a calibrated oral syringe.
The oral suspension is only good for 14 days&#;throw it out after 14 days, even if there&#;s some left.
If a dose is skipped, give it when remembered unless it&#;s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next dose as scheduled.
There is no need to taper the dose when this drug is discontinued.
Store amoxicillin tablets at room temperature.
Amoxicillin oral suspension can be stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
Amoxicillin alternatives for cats
While veterinarians have many antibiotics, the veterinarian&#;s job is to pick the most effective and safe antibiotic for the particular type of bacteria causing the infection. Amoxicillin has the benefit of being a broad-spectrum antibiotic, one that fights off a large variety of bacterial infections, so it&#;s often a good first choice.
In many cases, amoxicillin may not work because the infecting bacteria have an enzyme that pulls apart a section of the amoxicillin molecule. In those cases, the veterinarian will prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate, a combination that prevents bacteria from destroying the drug.
Some cats can&#;t take penicillin drugs safely. In those cases, a veterinarian can use antibiotics similar to amoxicillin. These are called beta-lactams and include cephalosporin antibiotics, carbapenems, and others. Depending on the infection, other types of antibiotics might be suitable alternatives, including macrolide antibiotics, sulfa drugs, or doxycycline.
Because of the risks to the cat, veterinarians are unlikely to suggest natural remedies for bacterial infections.
RELATED: Amoxicillin (Amoxil) alternatives: what can I take instead of amoxicillin?
Summary
Amoxicillin is effective and safe for your cat, provided all the veterinarian&#;s instructions are followed. To work, daily doses must be given for the full duration of the prescription. Sometimes, amoxicillin may not work. Contact the veterinarian if the cat doesn&#;t get better after a few days.
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