Drontal Plus for Canine Intestinal Parasites

Drontal Plus is a broad-spectrum wormer made by the Bayer AG pharmaceutical company. It is effective against tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. Available by prescription only, Drontal Plus is FDA approved for dogs age 4 weeks and up weighing 2 lbs. or more. It is available in tablet form or as a dissolving "taste tab."

  1. Mode of Action

    • Drontal Plus contains three distinct antiparasitic chemicals: praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate and febantel. All three of these chemicals work to kill different things. Praziquantel is effective against tapeworms and works by paralyzing tapeworms, so that they lose their grip on the intestinal tract. Once removed, they are unable to avoid being digested. Pyrantel pamoate is effective against hookworms and other ascarids. It interrupts the parasites' cholinergic receptors and paralyzes them. They are then removed, whole, from the canine intestines via the natural movements of the smooth muscles that line the intestines. Febantel kills nematode parasites, including whipworms. It is thought that febantel disrupts the metabolism causing an inability to process glucose, though the exact mode of action is unknown.

    Efficacy

    • The Bayer corporation conducted four studies wherein 176 dogs and puppies with parasitic infections, both naturally acquired and introduced, were given Drontal Plus. Additional clinical studies included 104 dogs and puppies seen at five different veterinary clinics throughout the United States. The dogs studied varied in size, age and breed. The results of the studies concluded that Drontal Plus is safe and effective at removing parasites when directions were followed. Retreatment is not necessary unless the dog is re-exposed to the host of the parasites.

    Considerations

    • Canine intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can pass from one species to another. Eliminate the possibility of passing parasites to other animals or people and reinfection of the dog by thoroughly cleaning the dog's bedding and habitat with a solution of bleach. Pick up and properly dispose of dog feces. If removal is impossible, a 3.75 percent solution of bleach is effective at killing the most persistent intestinal parasites treated by Drontal Plus.

    Side Effects and Contraindications

    • Clinical safety trials of Drontal Plus returned no averse reactions. Despite these findings, it is possible that some dogs will develop a reaction to Drontal Plus. Signs of an adverse reaction to Drontal Plus include nausea, vomiting, loose stool, lethargy, ataxia, increased thirst, excessive salivation and anorexia. If your dog develops a reaction to Drontal Plus, seek veterinary medical care immediately. Drontal Plus also is not indicated for use in pregnant dogs. Seek veterinary advice before using Drontal Plus if your dog had a previous adverse reaction to products containing praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate and febantel.