Tapeworm tabs for cats are manufactured by two companies, Bayer pharmaceuticals and Trade Winds Inc. Both contain the active ingredient of praziquantel, the same drug used to cure certain types of tapeworms in humans, dogs and farm animals. Of the two types of tapeworm tabs, only Trade Winds tablets are available for over-the-counter use. Bayer's product, Droncit, is available by prescription only from a licensed veterinarian.
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What are Tapeworms?
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Tapeworms found in felines are generally one of the five varieties that can be contracted. Dipylidium caninum, a form of tapeworm passed to the host feline by eating fleas that have ingested tapeworm eggs, is the most common, followed by Tanea taeniaeformis, which is contracted by eating a tapeworm-infested rodent. The treatment for all types of tapeworms is the same. Once tapeworms have been identified, usually via a stool sample, the cat is given a dose of praziquantel (see Reference 2).
Droncit
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Droncit is available in 23 mg scored tablets. The dosage for Droncit is generally 1/2 of a tablet for cats weighing less than four pounds, one tablet for felines that weigh between five and eleven pounds, and 1 1/2 tablets for cats heavier than 11 pounds. Droncit is not indicated for use in kittens younger than 6 weeks old. The tablets are given orally either whole or crushed into a serving of food. If served in food, the entire portion must be completed by the cat, otherwise re-treatment might be necessary.
Droncit is indicated only in the removal of the two most common forms of tapeworms, but it might be administered in an off-label use by your veterinary health professional (see Reference 1).
Trade Winds
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Trade Winds tape worm tablets are available over the counter to pet owners. It is identical in every way to its prescription counterpart, including dosage, clinical indications, efficacy and administration instructions. The only difference between the two is that you do not need to obtain a prescription to buy Trade Winds brand tapeworm tablets.
Efficacy
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The rate of efficacy of treatment with tapeworm tabs is variable because of environmental factors that might lead to an almost immediate re-infestation of the cat. To ensure that treatment is efficient, steps need to be taken to remove or prevent the most likely culprits of infestation.
A strict flea control regimen should be undertaken, including the regular monitoring and treatment of your cat and any other animals in the household. Floors, bedding and furniture should be vacuumed and cleaned to remove any flea eggs that might be lying dormant.
If your cat has access to the outdoors, limit or supervise his time there and ensure he does not eat any rodents or roadkill. Flea control treatment outdoors is recommended as well.
Side Effects
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In clinical studies performed by Bayer and Trade Winds, excessive salivation is the most common side effect of tapeworm tablets. Isolated incidents of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also have been reported.
If any symptom persists for more than 24 hours, or worsen in severity, seek veterinary medical attention. More severe symptoms, although not likely or noted in clinical trials, should be treated as an emergency and help sought accordingly (see References 1 and 3).
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