Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats
Vet-reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS ·
What is Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats
Overview
Praziquantel (PZQ) is an anti-helminthic drug used for treating cestodes (tapeworms) and schistosomes in humans and animals. It is a racemic mixture, made of two mirror-image forms (enantiomers): R-Praziquantel and S-Praziquantel. Only the R-enantiomer is responsible for the drug’s anti-parasitic activity.
PZQ is used widely in both veterinary and human medicine due to its strong effectiveness and favorable safety profile. In small animals, it eliminates tapeworm infections rapidly and is often used together with febantel, pyrantel, or oxantel for broader parasite control.
Explore more parasite-control medications in our Parasites section.
What Is Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats Used For
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tapeworm infections (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) | Primary use in dogs and cats. |
| Echinococcus granulosus (dogs) | Effective against hydatid tapeworm species. |
| Cestode infections in cats (Toxocara cati, Taenia spp.) | Demonstrated full parasite clearance in studies. |
| Used with febantel (paste) | Achieved 100 percent efficacy in both dogs and cats. |
| Used with pyrantel/oxantel | Helps treat resistant tapeworm cases. |
How Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats Works
Praziquantel disrupts calcium ion homeostasis in susceptible parasites, causing an influx of calcium into their cells. This triggers uncontrolled muscle contraction, leading to worm paralysis and death. The parasite is then digested or expelled naturally. Recent research also identified a specific TRP ion channel (Sm.TRPMPZQ) as a likely target for PZQ activity.
Drug Facts
Praziquantel is a broad-spectrum cestocidal drug used in pets and humans. It can be administered alone or in combination with other anti-parasitic agents to broaden coverage or treat resistant infections.
Common Brands
Droncit, Drontal
Drug Class
Anti-helminthic (cestocidal)
Substance Classification
Not a controlled medication
Generic Status
Generic widely available
Availability
Prescription or OTC depending on formulation
Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats Dosage Forms
Praziquantel is available in oral tablets, compounded liquids, paste formulations, and injectable solutions. In veterinary medicine, both single-agent Praziquantel and combination products are commonly used. Below are average U.S. price ranges.
Tablets / Chewables
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 tablets | $28.00 | $4.60 |
| 20 tablets | $75.00 | $3.75 |
Liquid / Compounded Suspension
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mL | $25.00 | $1.66 |
| 30 mL | $40.00 | $1.33 |
| 60 mL | $70.00 | $1.16 |
Paste Formulation (with Febantel)
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Dose per 10 kg | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| Multi-dose tube | $28.00 | $2.80 |
Injectable Form
| Qty/Size | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mL | $35.00 | $3.50 |
Typical Dosing For Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats
Praziquantel dosing depends on species, formulation, and whether it is used alone or with other anti-parasitics.
Oral Dosing
| Group | Typical Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs (tapeworm infections) | 5 mg/kg orally | Standard use. |
| Dogs (injectable dosing) | 5.68 mg/kg SC (0.1 mL/kg) | Achieved 100 percent efficacy. |
| Dogs using paste combo | 0.29 g/kg for 3 days | Contains febantel and Praziquantel. |
| Cats (tapeworm infections) | 5 mg/kg orally | Fully effective in studies. |
| Cats (injectable dosing) | 5.68 mg/kg SC | 100 percent parasite clearance. |
| Cats using paste combo | 0.29 g/kg for 3 days | Used in soft food. |
Risks and Warnings for Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats
Praziquantel is considered extremely safe in both dogs and cats, even at elevated doses used in difficult tapeworm infections. The document reports no observed adverse effects with standard or high dosing.
General Safety
- No clinical side effects noted with injectable or paste formulations.
- Even in resistant Dipylidium caninum cases treated with high doses or repeated courses, no side effects were reported.
- Well tolerated in all documented canine and feline studies.
Resistance Issues
- Clinical resistance reported in Dipylidium caninum (2016–2018).
- Resistant cases did not respond to 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 20 mg/kg oral dosing.
- Successful treatments eventually used nitroscanate or pyrantel/Praziquantel/oxantel.
Parasites Not Affected
Praziquantel showed no effect against:
- Dirofilaria immitis (dogs)
- Capillaria aerophila (cats)
- Paragonimus kellicotti (cats)
Praziquantel for Dogs and Cats Warnings and Precautions
Use Praziquantel under veterinary supervision. Key precautions include:
- Do not rely on Praziquantel for parasites other than tapeworms.
- Combination therapy may be required for resistant cases.
- Always dose based on accurate body weight.
- Follow the full course when paste formulations are prescribed.
- Consult your vet before giving repeated high doses.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before using or combining any medications for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Praziquantel kill all types of worms?
No. It primarily treats tapeworms. It does not treat whipworms, roundworms, or heartworms.
Is Praziquantel safe for young pets?
Yes, it is widely used in puppies and kittens under veterinary guidance.
Why is Praziquantel sometimes combined with other drugs?
Combination dewormers provide coverage against worms that Praziquantel alone cannot treat.
Can tapeworms become resistant to Praziquantel?
Yes. Some Dipylidium caninum cases in the U.S. have shown resistance.
How quickly does Praziquantel work?
It works rapidly, often clearing infections with a single dose.
Related Medications & Supplements
Dogs being treated for tapeworms may also require other parasite control medications to address additional intestinal worms or external parasites. These related treatments are commonly used alongside Praziquantel.
- Pyrantel pamoate - dewormer used for roundworms and hookworms
- Moxidectin - broad spectrum parasite control for internal and external worms
- Nitenpyram - fast acting oral flea treatment often paired with dewormers
- Toltrazuril - coccidia treatment used when protozoal infections are present
- Ponazuril - another coccidia medication for stubborn intestinal protozoal infections
References
- Chelladurai, J.J., Kifleyohannes, T., Scott, J. & Brewer, M.T. (2018). Praziquantel Resistance in the Zoonotic Cestode Dipylidium caninum. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 99(5), pp. 1201–1205. [Online]. Available at: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0533
- Corwin, R.M., Pratt, S.E. & McCurdy, H.D. (1984). Anthelmintic effect of febantel/praziquantel paste in dogs and cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 45(1), pp. 154–155. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.1984.45.01.154
- Erko, B., Degarege, A., Tadesse, K., Mathiwos, A. & Legesse, M. (2012). Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni in schoolchildren in Shesha Kekele Elementary School, Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(3), pp. 235–239. [Online]. Available at: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60049-5
- Fukushige, M., Chase-Topping, M., Woolhouse, M.E.J. & Mutapi, F. (2021). Efficacy of praziquantel has been maintained over four decades (from 1977 to 2018): A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors influence its efficacy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 15(3), p. e0009189. [Online]. Available at: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009189
- Haby, M.M., Sosa Leon, L.A., Luciañez, A., Nicholls, R.S., Reveiz, L. & Donadeu, M. (2020). Systematic review of the effectiveness of selected drugs for preventive chemotherapy for Taenia solium taeniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 14(1), p. e0007873. [Online]. Available at: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007873
- Le Clec'h, W., Chevalier, F.D., Mattos, A.C.A., Strickland, A., Diaz, R., et al. (2021). Genetic analysis of praziquantel response in schistosome parasites implicates a transient receptor potential channel. Science Translational Medicine, 13(625), p. eabj9114. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.abj9114
- Matthaiou, D.K., Panos, G., Adamidi, E.S. & Falagas, M.E. (2008). Albendazole versus Praziquantel in the Treatment of Neurocysticercosis: A Meta-analysis of Comparative Trials. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2(3), p. e194. [Online]. Available at: doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0000194
- Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium. (2021). PRESS RELEASE: The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium Announces Positive Phase III Results for Arpraziquantel To Treat Schistosomiasis. [Press Release]. [Online]. Available at: www.pediatricpraziquantelconsortium.org
- Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium. (2022). New WHO guidelines for schistosomiasis. [Online]. Available at: www.pediatricpraziquantelconsortium.org
- Thomas, C.M. & Timson, D.J. (2018). The Mechanism of Action of Praziquantel: Six Hypotheses. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 18(18), pp. 1575–1584. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026618666181029143214
- Tüzer, E., Bilgin, Z., Öter, K., Erçin, S. & Tınar, R. (2010). Efficacy of Praziquantel Injectable Solution Against Feline and Canine Tapeworms. Turkiye Parazitol Derg, 34(1), pp. 17–20.
- Zdesenko, G. & Mutapi, F. (2020). Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics of praziquantel: A review of variable drug exposure during schistosomiasis treatment in human hosts and experimental models. PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 14(9), p. e0008649. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008649
Editor
The Webvet Editorial Team is a collective of seasoned pet-care journalists, veterinary content specialists, and industry editors dedicated to delivering accurate, trustworthy, and compassionate pet health information. With decades of combined experience across veterinary reporting, pet wellness education, and consumer product research, our team works closely with veterinarians and certified pet experts to ensure every article is both evidence-based and easy to understand.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
