Increases cell membrane permeability to calcium in cestodes, causing spastic paralysis, vacuolisation, and disintegration of the parasite tegument
At a glance
Class
Isoquinolone anthelmintic (cestocidal)
Dosing
Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia)
Duration: Single dose; repeat in 2-3 weeks if reinfection
Echinococcus
Frequency
SID for 3 days or single high dose
Duration: 3 days
Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia)
Duration: Single dose; repeat in 2-3 weeks if needed
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Transient salivation (bitter taste)
Mild vomiting
Diarrhoea
Serious
Anaphylaxis (very rare)
Pain at SC injection site
Faecal examination 2-3 weeks post-treatmentFlea control (for Dipylidium reinfection prevention)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Praziquantel?
Praziquantel is a isoquinolone anthelmintic (cestocidal) used in pets. Increases cell membrane permeability to calcium in cestodes, causing spastic paralysis, vacuolisation, and disintegration of the parasite tegument
›What is Praziquantel used for in pets?
Praziquantel is used in veterinary medicine for: Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia); Echinococcus.
›What is the Praziquantel dose for dogs?
For dogs, Praziquantel is typically dosed as follows — Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia): 5 mg/kg PO/SC Single dose; Echinococcus: 5 mg/kg PO SID for 3 days or single high dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Praziquantel dose for cats?
For cats, Praziquantel is typically dosed as follows — Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia): 5 mg/kg PO/SC Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Praziquantel?
Common: Transient salivation (bitter taste), Mild vomiting, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Anaphylaxis (very rare), Pain at SC injection site.
›Does Praziquantel need a prescription?
Yes. Praziquantel is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Praziquantel not be used?
Do not use Praziquantel if: Puppies/kittens <4 weeks of age.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
FDC Drug Product Esafoxolaner (1.2% w/v) Eprinomectin (0.4% w/v) and Praziquante
M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd · Approved 09.03.2026
For cats with, or at risk from mixed infections by cestodes, nematodes and ectoparasites Ectoparasites: Treatment and pr
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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