Side Effects of Praziquantel in Kittens

Praziquantel is an anti-worm (anthelmintic) medication that is used to control common feline parasites such as tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms, heartworms and flukes. Often combined with other parasite-fighting compounds, Praziquantel should not be administered to kittens that are less than 8 weeks old or that weigh under 1 1/2 lbs. The drug is administered orally or by injection and inhibits newly hatched worms from multiplying in the cat̵7;s body. As with other parasite-fighting medication, Praziquantel has documented side effects that don̵7;t generally endanger the kitten but that may make it uncomfortable.

  1. Local Irritation

    • When Praziquantel is injected into a kitten, the injection site can become irritated and cause the kitten pain. It will scratch the inflamed site, thereby further aggravating it, and may cry out in pain. Although the inflammation of the injection site is not medically injurious to the kitten, it can be disquieting to witness.

    Lethargy

    • Aside from causing local irritation, injected Praziquantel can also cause listlessness and weakness in kittens. When administered to fight off a tapeworm, the powerful drug ruptures the parasite̵7;s skin and impairs its sucker function. Eventually the tapeworm disintegrates and its remains are eliminated in the kitten̵7;s feces. This powerful action within the kitten̵7;s system robs its energy until the medication wears off.

    Nausea

    • Orally administered Praziquantel tastes bitter to kittens. In response to the objectionable taste, they will drool excessively, and depending on their constitution, may suffer from nausea. In extreme cases, the nausea may lead to vomiting, which may require remedication.

    Nervous System Complications

    • Although rare, the administration of Praziquantel has caused seizures in kittens. Fortunately, as of January 2010 there are no documented cases of kittens dying from Praziquantel-induced seizures.

    Transient Ataxia

    • Kittens have suffered from transient Ataxia when vaccinated with Praziquantel, which, according to Princeton̵7;s wordnetweb, is a condition of uncoordinated, voluntary muscle movements that may result in a staggering gait. Although not life-threatening on its own, transient ataxia can cause a kitten to hurt itself by bumping into sharp corners or falling from heights.

    Shock

    • Praziquantel that is administered to a kitten with an established, mature heartworm infestation may stress the kitten and cause it to suffer from shock. In severe cases, the shock in weakened kittens can become life-threatening, requiring immediate veterinary intervention.