What Is Droncit?

Droncit, made by Bayer, is the brand name for the anthelmintic drug Praziquantel. Anthelmintics are deworming drugs for animals that work by paralyzing or killing intestinal worms. Droncit has a 100 percent effective rate against all tapeworm species and is approved for use in cats and dogs over four weeks of age. It is a convenient and economical deworming medication and negative side effects are rare.

  1. Indications

    • Droncit is used in dogs for treatment of the common flea tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, Taenia ovis (sheep measles tapeworm), false hydatid tapeworm species Taenia hydatigena and Taenia pisiformis (unnamed tapeworm) as well as the hydatid tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. In cats, Droncit is used to treat Dipylidium caninum, Spirometra erinacei (zipper tapeworm) and Taenia taeniaeformis.

    How it Works

    • Droncit works rapidly and is absorbed from the duodendum, metabolized in the liver and excreted in the bile. The bile containing the medicine flows into the digestive tract where it acts by direct contact on the worms. The dead worms are then passed from the body through the digestive process and are not usually visible in the feces.

    Features

    • Droncit is available over the counter or by prescription from a veterinarian. It comes in tablet form that can be mixed with food or given directly, and in an injectable form given either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Fasting prior to treatment is unnecessary. Recommended dosage for dogs is one tablet per 10 kg of body weight. For cats, dosage is one half tablet per 5 kg body weight. Each tablet contains 50mg of Praziquantel.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects from Droncit are uncommon, but may include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, staggering, depression and appetite loss. The injectable form of Droncit may produce inflammation or pain at the injection site. It is not recommended for use in animals with a known allergy to the drug. Overdose symptoms may include salivation and vomiting.

    Safety

    • According to Bayer, the manufacturer of Droncit, Praziquantel is a nontoxic, nonhazardous substance that is well tolerated by both dogs and cats. Blood levels of the drug are undetectable within 24 hours of dosing. It is safe for use in pregnant dogs and cats and has not been shown to be a carcinogen. Praziquantel is a slight eye irritant but is non-irritating to the skin. There are no specific safe handling recommendations.