How to Treat Tapeworm in Cats With Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic and anti-parasitic medication used to treat bacterial infections in both animals and humans. You can generally use it safely to treat tapeworms in cats. Metronidazole, also known by the brand name Flagyl, can be administered orally as a tablet or given as an injection, which is useful in animals who are vomiting or who cannot take pills. The dosage of metronidazole and the way it is administered will depend upon your veterinarian's specific instructions, which will take into account the age, weight and fitness of your cat.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your vet about prescribing metronidazole. This medication is available by prescription only and should not be purchased without your vet's knowledge. You should not obtain metronidazole without a prescription, nor get it from any location other than your vet or a reputable pet pharmacist. Administering this drug without veterinary supervision can lead to health problems or the death of your cat.

    • 2

      Give your cat the drug as prescribed by your vet. Typically, you will follow a course of treatment involving giving the medication for five to seven days. Dosages can be oral or by injection. Give your cat the proper dose at the same time each day to ensure that the medication is absorbed properly.

    • 3

      Monitor your cat for any side effects from the medication while you are administering and for seven to 12 days after the treatment is done. Metronidazole toxicity can cause side effects such as loss of appetite, head tilting, depression and disorientation. Minor side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness. Contact your vet if your cat shows any of these side effects, as the vet may need to adjust the dose to prevent further problems.