Tapeworm pills are drugs used to cure parasite infections in cats. Pets contract tapeworm infections from fleas that carry tapeworm larvae. The larvae enter the cat’s body and develop into adult tapeworms that attach themselves to the lining of the intestine. Tapeworms utilize essential nutrients present in the body and lower the pet’s immune system functioning. Pet owners should use tapeworm medication only after the vet has diagnosed tapeworm infection in the cat.
Commercially Available Tapeworm Medication
- Tape Worm Tabs Cat
- Droncit for cats
- Cestex for cats
- Drontal
Tape Worm Tabs Cat
Tape worm tabs contain the active ingredient praziquantel which is a dewormer that kills intestinal parasites like tapeworms. The medication shouldn’t be used on cats less than 6 weeks of age. Tape worm tabs are available without a prescription. The active ingredient praziquantel damages tapeworm skin and causes worm disintegration. The worms are then eliminated by the cat’s body through the feces. Tape worm tabs are administered in a single dose that can be repeated after a month to prevent re-infection. Although the tablets are available without a prescription, it’s advisable to determine the type of worm infection through fecal exams before administering any over the counter drugs to cats.
Droncit for Cats
Droncit also contains praziquantel and is available as 23 mg tablets formulated for cats. Droncit Feline is an anthelmintic drug that requires a prescription and works to damage cestodes and eliminate them from the cat’s body. Droncit tablets are administered as a single dose and the dosage varies according to the cat’s weight. Cats that suffer from hypersensitivity to praziquantel shouldn’t be given droncit. The tablets should be crumbled and mixed with cat food to make it palatable.
Cestex for Cats
Cestex contains the active ingredient epsiprantel that’s safe for use in cats over 7 weeks of age. The medication requires a prescription and is sometimes used in combination with other medication to treat hookworms and roundworms. Cestex is an anthelmintic medication that paralyzes the tapeworms and causes them to lose their hold on the intestinal wall. The tapeworms are then digested along with food and pass out through cat feces.
Drontal
Drontal is a prescription medication. It works as a broad spectrum de-wormer to treat tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm infections in cats. The active ingredients include praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate that’s safe for use in cats over 4 weeks of age and weighing more than 1.5 lbs. The tablet paralyzes intestinal worms and damages tapeworm skin internally. Drontal Feline shouldn’t be used in combination with other de-wormers. Cat’s that experience adverse reactions should be given prompt medical help.
Side-Effects of Tapeworm Pills
Most tapeworm medications cause temporary side effects. Common side-effects include vomiting, diarrhea and increased salivation. Since the side-effects are rare, it’s best to seek medical help if the pet develops any unusual symptoms. Overdose is dangerous and hence, it’s necessary to follow vet instructions before administering worming medication.
Along with anthelmintic medication, cats should be treated for flea infections as most cats contract tapeworms through flea bites. Adequate disposal of pet feces is important, particularly after treating the cat with tapeworm pills.