Belonging to the anthelmintic class of medications, praziquantel is the primary drug for treating feline tapeworm infections. Praziquantel is effective not only against dipylidium caninum, the most common tapeworm, but also against other tapeworms potentially more harmful to cats.
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Types
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Purchase generic praziquantel tablets as over-the-counter medication from pet stores. Praziquantel injectable and combination anthelmintics containing praziquantel are available by veterinary prescription only.
Function
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Injectable and tablet praziquantel contain a compound corrosive to tapeworms' skin. The worms disintegrate as their skin dissolves. Your pet's immune system removes the debris so it doesn't pass dead tapeworms in its stool.
Time Frame
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Most cats are cleared of tapeworms with a single praziquantel treatment. Cats vulnerable to being reinfected because of fleas in their environment might require two treatments.
Dosage
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Praziquantel tablets contain 23 mg of active medication. They are suitable for cats older than 6 weeks old, according to Stanford University. Kittens and cats less than 4 lbs. receive 1/2 tablet; cats from 5 to 11 lbs get 1 tablet; and cats more than 11 lbs. get 1 1/2 tablets.
Side Effects
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A praziquantel injection might sting your cat more than other shots. Mar Vista Vet reports rare instances of nausea, weakness and excessive salivation after injections.
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