The common tapeworm of dogs and cats, Dipylidium caninum, is the usual target of this medication although praziquantel is also effective against less common types of tapeworms such as Taenia species and the more dangerous Mesocestoides species and Echinococcus species. Praziquantel is also effective against flukes.
What worms does praziquantel treat?
Praziquantel is used to treat schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever or bilharzia, an infection of the urinary tract or bowels, caused by schistosoma (blood fluke), a flatworm parasite.
Can praziquantel treat roundworms?
Pyrantel + praziquantel (Drontal®) – effective against roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms (Diplydium, Taenia, Echinococcus, Diphyllobothrium, and at a higher dose, Spirometra). Formulated for use in cats, but can also be used in dogs. Relatively expensive, very safe.
How long does praziquantel take to work on dogs?
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be noted outwardly and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication's effectiveness.
How does praziquantel work in dogs?
Praziquantel specifically targets tapeworms. When a tapeworm comes in contact with praziquantel in a dog's intestinal tract, praziquantel interferes with the tapeworm's ability to regulate internal calcium levels.
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