Cestex (Epsoprantel)

What is Cestex?

What is Cestex? Cestex is the brand name for the drug epsiprantel. It is available as a tablet in varying dosage strengths from 12.5 milligrams to 100 milligrams. Cestex 100mg is available along with other dose sizes to suit the weight of the dog or cat. Cestex 100mg and other tablet dosage sizes are appropriate for animal weights as indicated in the How to Use section. What is it used for? The drug is intended to be used, both as Cestex for cats as well as Cestex for dogs, to treat tapeworm infection. Specifically, the drug works to eliminate feline and canine tapeworm infections of the Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. How does it work? The drug mainly stays within the gut and is not by any great degree absorbed into the bloodstream. The drug staying within the gastrointestinal tract allows it to directly affect the parasites and minimize systemic side effects. Cestex for cats as well as Cestex for dogs works through the same mechanism of action within the gastrointestinal tract to eliminate tape worm parasites. Both Cestex for cats and Cestex for dogs is the same epsiprantel drug.

How to use Cestex

Cestex is administered orally in tablet form as a single dose. Both cats and dogs should be at least seven weeks of age before administering this drug. Dosages are based on the weight of the animal and the species. Cats up to 10 pounds should receive 12.5mg. Cats 11 pounds to 20 pounds should be given 20mg. Dogs typically have a much wider range of weights and need to be dosed accordingly. Dogs up to five pounds should receive 12.5 mg, 6 to10 pounds should receive 25mg, 11 to 20 pounds should receive 50mg, 21 to 40 pounds should receive 100mg, 41 to 50 pounds should receive 125mg, 51 to 60 pounds should receive 150mg, 61 to 80 pounds should receive 200mg, 81 to 90 pounds should receive 225mg, 91 to 100 pounds should receive, 250mg, and over 101 pounds should be dosed at a rate of 2.5mg per pound of body weight. It is considered acceptable to round up to the next whole tablet dosage amount for dogs over 101 pounds. For example a 103 pound dog should receive 257.5mg thus two Cestex 100mg, a 50mg, and a 12.5mg tablet totaling 262.5 milligrams would be acceptable. The drug is available as Cestex 12.5, Cestex 25, Cestex 50, and Cestex 100mg tablets.

Cestex warnings and precautions

Cestex is generally considered safe due to testing. There have been no adverse effects detected at 14 times the recommended dosage that has been given once per day for a total of three days. Even at 40 times the recommended levels of dosage, the drug has not shown significant negative side effects. A study was done at 90 times the recommended dosage amount given every day for 14 days with no significant adverse effects. Contraindications for this drug are not yet known to exist.

What do I do if I have missed a Cestex dose?

This drug is intended for a single dose administration only in both prescription Cestex for cats and Cestex for dogs, so a missed dose is not possible. If you have administered a Cestex overdose to your pet contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cestex interactions

This drug has not been discovered to interact with any other drug.

Cestex side effects

This drug is not known to cause any side effects other than the occasional pet that may vomit or experience diarrhea following dosing. This is not considered dangerous unless symptoms persist to the point of dehydration. If this occurs, seek veterinary help.