Pyrantel Pamoate for Cats

Although you may not be aware of it, many puppies and kittens alike are born with different types of parasites that they've acquired from their mother; in order to prevent those parasites from threatening a young cat's life, pyrantel pamoate is a good medicine to help mediate the problem. This medicine helps to deworm those animals and is recommended by most vets within the first few months of a cat's life.

Pyrantel Pamoate Overview

Pyrantel pamoate is an example of an antiparasitic drug. The effect of this medicine is to paralyze and deactivate the nervous system of certain types of worms which may live in your pet's body and attach to his intestines. Particularly, pyrantel pamoate is helpful in ridding cats of hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms. Due to the prevalence of these parasites in young kittens, and also to the likelihood of contracting parasites through contact with contaminated dirt, bedding and other parts of your kitten's environment, this medicine is a great way to help prevent your cat from getting sick.

Using Pyrantel Pamoate for Your Cat

Pyrantel pamoate is fully approved for use in both pets and humans. It comes in a variety of different formulations, with the primary difference between human and veterinary versions of the medicine being the mode of delivery and the size of the doses. Because of the gentle nature of pyrantel pamoate, it is highly recommended for deworming in cats that are very young. This property of the medicine also makes it suitable for animals that may be debilitated by other medical conditions or age.

Pyrantel pamoate comes in tablet form, as an oral suspension, and as a syrup. Most vets will recommend that you provide your pet with the medicine about once every three weeks. You'll have to continue to monitor your pet's health and stool samples after the duration of the medicine to see if additional treatments are necessary. If any eggs remain in your pet's body, you'll need to continue with follow up treatments as well.

Side Effects and Risks of Pyrantel Pamoate

The single most common side effect of pyrantel pamoate is vomiting. This occurs rarely, if at all. The overall safety of this medicine is what makes it one of the best choices for cats of all ages and health levels. Still, you should not provide a very old or debilitated cat with pyrantel pamoate unless there is a very specific reason to suspect that he may be suffering from parasites.

The dosage of the medicine is typically about 2.5 to 5 milligrams per pound. Given in this appropriate dose, any side effects and negative reactions are quite uncommon. However, you should always work with your vet in order to determine the best way to provide your pet with this medicine as well as the proper dosage and administration schedule as well. Take your cat to the vet if you notice any adverse effects.

 

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