Drontal Tablets for Worms in Cats

Any cat can get worms, regardless of whether lives indoors or out. There are a number of medications available for the treatment of worms. Drontal is one such drug available to owners looking to treat their felines. Regardless of the treatment option, speak to a licensed veterinary medical professional to determine the type of worms your cat has and the appropriate course of treatment.

  1. Identification

    • Drontal is a broad-spectrum worming product created by Bayer's Animal Health division. It is FDA approved for over-the-counter treatment of tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. Drontal tablets contain 18.2 mg of praziquantel, a drug that treats tapeworm infections, and 72.6 mg of pyrantal pamoate, effective against roundworms and hookworms.

    Efficacy and Dosage

    • Ninety-eight percent of feline tapeworm infestations were cured within seven days when given the proper dosage in a clinical laboratory and field study performed by the Bayer Corporation. Felines weighing 1.5 to 1.9 pounds receive ¼ tablet; cats 2 to 3 pounds receive ½ tablet; cats between 4 and 8 pounds should be given 1 tablet; cats 9 to 12 pounds should receive 1½ tablets; and cats that weigh 13 to 16 pounds should get 2 tablets.

    Considerations

    • Do not use Drontal if your cat is less than 1 month old. Cats weighing less than 1.5 pounds should not be given Drontal. Drontal is not indicated for use in pregnant or nursing animals. Felines with a compromised immune system, or cats that are extremely old, should not use Drontal without first being seen by a veterinarian.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects seen in cats given Drontal are excessive thirst and hypersalivation, according to "Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians." Vomiting is possible, but uncommon. Drug interactions and allergic reactions to feline Drontal are characterized by rapid breathing, trouble breathing, dizziness, loss of appetite and swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. If you observe signs of an allergic reaction in your cat, seek veterinary care immediately.

    Safety

    • All drugs have the possibility for overdose or adverse reactions. Despite these possibilities, Drontal is relatively safe. When examined in clinical safety trials, 83 cats given 10 times the clinical dose of Drontal showed no adverse effects. Two cats tested showed mild stomach upset and anorexia, according to the Bayer corporation.