About Oral Cat Tapeworm Medications

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that sap nutrients from their feline host. Infected cats may lose weight or display poor coat quality, while others display no symptoms at all. Many owners notice tapeworm segments passed in fecal matter or stuck to their cat's fur, leading them to seek treatment. Oral tapeworm medications are the quickest, easiest, most common and most cost-effective way to treat a feline tapeworm infestation.

  1. Tapeworm Information

    • There are several types of tapeworms that consider cats as hosts. Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp, Echinococcus multiocularis, Diphyllobothrium latum, Spirometra mansonoides are all tapeworms that cats may harbor. Of these parasites, D. caninum and Taenia spp. are the most common, comprising about 90 percent of all tapeworm infections, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." While treatment of each type of tapeworm may differ slightly, the fecal examinations used to diagnose them and the medications used to treat them are identical.

    Types of Medication

    • Praziquantel is the primary drug used in the treatment of feline tapeworms. It is one of only two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. Praziquantel is the primary ingredient in oral medications for feline tapeworms. Another drug, epsiprantel, is manufactured and sold under the brand name Cestex. Both are primarily given as oral solutions, although severe tapeworm infestations may be treated by a veterinarian using an injection, according to "The Veterinary Formulary." Praziquantel is available in both over-the-counter formulas and prescription medications. Epsiprantel is available by prescription only.

    Function

    • Oral tapeworm medications are ingested by the cat. They pass through the cat's system and are transmitted to the tapeworm. When ingested by the tapeworm, the medications cause spasms of the tapeworm's muscles. The spasms turn to paralysis. Once paralyzed, the tapeworms are unable to keep their attachment to the cat's intestines. Then the parasites pass through the cat's digestive system and are excreted as waste.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects resulting from the oral administration of praziquantel are rare, according to "Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians." Possible side effects include excessive salivation, anorexia, vomiting, loose stools, depression, lethargy and uncoordinated movements. Side effects for epsiprantel include mild diarrhea or vomiting. Occasionally, animals are or become allergic to tapeworm medications. Allergic reactions are potentially life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to, swelling of the face and limbs, hives, abnormal grooming behavior, muscle tremors, severe enteric distress, shock, seizures, pale gums, weak pulse, reduced circulation, coma and death.

    Considerations

    • Tapeworms are considered a zoonotic disease. This means that they may pass between species and have the potential to infect humans. Tapeworms can only be diagnosed through veterinary laboratory testing, and may present symptoms similar to other illnesses or parasitic infections. Regardless of the type of tapeworm, cats always acquire it through an intermediate host. Dogs, fleas, rodents, fish, rabbits and livestock harbor different types of tapeworms that may be passed to a cat. It is important to minimize your cat's exposure to intermediate hosts to prevent infection. In addition to medications, clean the cat's litter box, bedding and environment thoroughly to prevent infection and the need for repeated treatment.