(praziquantel)
Brand
Droncit
Availability
- Tablets: 23 mg and 34 mg *Note: tablets preferred over injection
- Injectable: 56.8 mg/mL in 10mL vial
Pharmacology
Praziquantel is a synthetic, heterocyclic anthelmintic agent, that is a derivative of pyrazinoisoquinoline. It has broad-spectrum action against cestodes that stimulate the worm’s motility, and impairs the sucker function which allows for passive dislodgement. It, also, has a direct kill effect on schistosomes and trematodes.
The drug is rapidly absorbed, after oral administration, to between 75-100% in the rat. It reaches serum concentration level at approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours. It is distributed throughout the body crossing the blood brain barrier into the central nervous system and across the intestinal wall. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine.1
Indications
Used for treatment of tapeworms, flukes, schistosomes and trematodes.
Drug Interactions or Contraindications:
- Possible antagonism with Piperazine salts.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: lethargy
GI: diarrhea, anorexia
Skin: itching
Dosage Recommendations
5 mg/lb, SQ, once and repeat in 10 days 4
or
6 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, PO, SQ, once and repeat in 10 days (cestodes) 1, 34, 35
or
30 mg/kg, q14 days x 3 treatments, PO 1, 34, 41, 42,
Considerations
- When giving PO (oral) give with food as tablets are bitter.
- Store drug at room temperature in a dry area.
References
- Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products. (1996). Praziquantel: Summary Report (1). European Medicines Agency. Retrieved August 7, 2020, from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/mrl-report/praziquantel-summary-report-1-committee-veterinary-medicinal-products_en.pdf
