Praziquantel

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Praziquantel is used to treat tapeworm infestation in dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will advise a deworming programme for your pet. Fleas and lice may carry tapeworm eggs and it is important to also treat your animal for these parasites. We do have a similar scheme when pets travel overseas so the following sentence is relevant in the Australian context: Praziquantel is an essential component of parasiticide treatment under the Pet Travel Scheme.

How does this medicine work?

Praziquantel changes the permeability of calcium channels in membranes, resulting in paralysis and death of tapeworms.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.

- Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be given.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Wash your hands after applying or handling this medication.

- Ensure treated animals do not groom each other until the spot-on medication is dry.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Quite often, a single dose of this medicine is effective. Measures should be taken to prevent reinfection.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Your veterinarian may administer this medication by injection. Your pet may experience slight pain at the site of injection.

- There are very few side effects when the drug is given at the usual dose.

- Side effects that may occur include loss of appetite, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhoea and salivation. Your pet may salivate and vomit if the animal licks the spot-on application site soon after the medication has been applied. Notify your veterinarian if these symptoms persist.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian that other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.