Droncit (Praziquantel)

What is Droncit?

What is Droncit? Droncit is the prescription name for the drug praziquantel. Praziquantel is a anthelminthic chemical used as a cestocide for dogs and cats. What is it used for? As a cestocide, Droncit for dogs and cats is used to treat tapeworm infections. How does Droncit work? Droncit for cats and dogs is taken by the pet, and the active ingredient makes its way through the intestine. The tapeworm eats the active ingredient and loses the ability to stick to the intestinal lining. The digestive system then disintegrates and eliminates the tapeworm.

How to use Droncit

Droncit is a highly effective drug, and requires a prescription from a licensed pet health professional. The medication is sold per tablet, as tablets are very strong and medication should not be administered for a long period of time. The medication is taken orally with food, and should be finished before the pet finishes its meal so the digestive system can have the maximum effect. Typically, one dosage of Droncit should solve the tapeworm problem, but if your veterinarian prescribes more doses, listen to his or her advice. Dogs over four weeks old receive a 34 mg prescription, while cats over six weeks old receive a 23 mg prescription. Droncit for dogs and cats is not recommended for dogs under four weeks and cats under six weeks. For dogs up to 5 lbs feed 1/2 tablet, from 6-10 lbs feed 1 tablet, from 11-15 lbs feed 1 1/2 tablets, from 16-30 lbs feed 2 tablets, from 31-45 lbs feed 3 tablets, from 46-60 lbs feed 4 tablets, and over 60 lbs feed 5 tablets at the most. For cats up to 4 lbs feed 1/4 tablet, from 5-11 lbs feed 1 tablet, and over 11 lbs feed 1 1/2 tablets at the most. Your veterinarian's suggestions will of course supersede these dosages, but if your vet doesn't give dosage instructions, follow these. Crumble up medication and mix in with food to ensure that your pet eats the whole tablet.

Droncit warnings and precautions

Do not give a Droncit dosage to your pet if you are currently treating tapeworms with a different medication, as different medications have different mechanisms of action. The medications may conflict and cause further complications for your pet. Some pets are hypersensitive to the active ingredient praziquantel. If your pet shows negative signs after taking the standard Droncit dosage, alert your veterinarian immediately and stop treatment. There is an injection form of Droncit for cats and dogs, but this should only be used if tablet Droncit is ineffective, and only ever under the care and guidance of your vet. Because humans can contract tapeworms from animals, it is important that you maintain good hygiene when feeding and cleaning up after your pet. Tapeworms are often spread by fleas, so make sure to treat any fleas on your pet as well. Do not feed your pets rodents, raw fish, or raw meat of any kind, as that is most susceptible to tapeworms. For cats, clean stools daily in order to prevent any tapeworm reinfection. Do not give a Droncit dosage to your pets without food or on an empty stomach. This will cause the same side effects as an overdose and will not take care of the tapeworm problem. Droncit for cats and dogsderives its effectiveness by working with the animal's natural digestive processes. If the animal doesn't eat, the digestive processes don't function as they're supposed to. Always consult with your veterinarian before beginning Droncit for dogs or for cats, and if you are unsure of how to administer the drug or how to care for a pet with tapeworms, ask. Make sure to let him or her know if your pet has had a bad reaction to any medications in the past.

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

If you believe that you have overdosed your cat or dog, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Symptoms of overdosage include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and drowsiness for dogs, and increased salivation and diarrhea for cats. Typically missing a dose won't be a problem, since Droncit is a single-dose medication. However, if your vet has placed your pet on a regimen and you miss a dose, do not give a double dose the next day. Simply skip that day's dose and resume your pet's regimen as normal.

Droncit interactions

Do not administer a Droncit dosage alongside any other tapeworm medications, as they may interact with each other instead of removing the tapeworm. Consult with your veterinarian before administering Droncit for dogs or for cats.

Droncit side effects

Side effects of Droncit for dogs and cats alike are very rare and never fatal. Typically, the side effects will include diarrhea, vomiting, and increased drowsiness. These are similar to the effects of a Droncit overdose, but some animals simply react more strongly than usual to the drug. If your dog or cat continues to suffer from side effects, particularly those involving loss of appetite or digestive troubles, you should contact your emergency pet health professional immediately.