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
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.
Find a vet near you →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)
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →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
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database