Question 1

What is Praziquantel used for?

Accepted Answer

Praziquantel is indicated for: pentastomids, Tapeworms, Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata), Tapeworms (Dipylidium, Taenia), Tapeworms (injectable), trematodes.

Question 2

What routes can Praziquantel be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, SC, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Praziquantel dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Praziquantel dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 11 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Chinchilla, Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Guinea Pig, Horse (Equine), Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Praziquantel a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Praziquantel is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Praziquantel?

Accepted Answer

May cause transient GI upset, drooling (especially in cats). Safe in pregnant animals. Effective primarily against cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Praziquantel?

Accepted Answer

May cause transient GI upset, drooling (especially in cats). Safe in pregnant animals. Effective primarily against cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes).

Question 7

How does Praziquantel work?

Accepted Answer

Increases cell membrane permeability to calcium in susceptible helminths, causing spastic paralysis, detachment, and disintegration.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IM	5 mg/kg	once	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IM	5 mg/kg	once	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Praziquantel

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Praziquantel dosing data (28 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 28 dose rules

Backed by 4 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 28 cited rules)

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