Drontal is an effective and affordable antiparasitic medication. It can be given to cats starting at three weeks of age. The Drontal instructions will help you understand how to do this correctly.
Release form and composition
Excipients of Drontal: magnesium stearate, polyvidone, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silica, corn starch
Drontal is a product of the German pharmaceutical giant Bayer HealthCare AG. Medications intended for the Russian market are packaged in cardboard boxes with all information provided in Russian. Each contains detailed instructions for use and a blister with two or eight tablets.
The medication is available in elliptical tablets. Each tablet has a dividing line in the center. This ensures the most accurate dosage possible.
Drontal contains two active ingredients: pyrantel and praziquantel.
Prescription of the drug
The drug's action is based on damage to the muscles, nervous system and microcirculatory function of parasites, resulting in their paralysis and subsequent death.
Drontal is an anthelmintic medication. It is prescribed to combat parasites and to prevent infestations. The medication is capable of eliminating all worms found in cats in the Northern Hemisphere.
Among them:
- cestodes or flatworms;
- trematodes or fluke worms;
- nematodes or roundworms.
For prevention, it is recommended to take the product once every 3 months. Urgent measures will be needed if parasites have already attacked the animal.
You can recognize that your pet is infected with worms by the following signs:
- appetite is disturbed;
- lethargy and drowsiness appear;
- the cat is noticeably losing weight, but the belly does not get smaller or even gets bigger;
- bowel movements are disturbed, frequent vomiting may occur;
- immunity decreases;
- Sores appear on the animal's body, mainly around the anus.
Once in the animal's body, Drontal begins to work within approximately 2-4 hours. The active ingredients first paralyze the worms and then kill them.
Contraindications
It is better to give Drontal to kittens mixed into milk.
Drontal has a number of contraindications. It should not be given to:
- kittens under three weeks old;
- animals with weakened immune systems, sick animals, and animals that have recently suffered a serious illness;
- on the eve of mating;
- less than 10 days before the expected vaccination or immediately after it;
- in the first two thirds of pregnancy.
How to apply
"Drontal" is suitable for use if a pet needs to be rid of helminths at any stage of infection or to prevent their occurrence.
The required dosage is calculated using the formula: one tablet per 4 kg of animal weight. It is important to note that cats in the final stages of pregnancy should be given medication based on their pre-pregnancy weight.
It's best to deworm a cat in the morning. The medication is given during meals. It can be crushed into a powder and added to a treat, or you can force the cat to swallow the tablet by placing it on the base of the tongue and holding it there for a few seconds.
The worms will take several days to hatch. During this time, it's important to thoroughly clean the litter box using soapy water or other germ-killing products.
It is recommended to use a flea repellent in conjunction with Drontal. Bloodsucking insects often carry worm eggs. Without complete treatment, the risk of re-infestation with internal parasites remains high.
All animals in the house, including those that don't go outside, should be treated simultaneously. It's a good idea for people to take the antiparasitic medication as well.
Possible side effects
After three months, it is advisable to repeat the Drontal treatment.
Drontal is considered safe. However, it can sometimes cause side effects, such as:
- vomit;
- bowel disorders;
- profuse salivation;
- weakness.
Kittens are more susceptible to these conditions than adult animals. Therefore, they should be closely monitored after administration of the medication.
In the vast majority of cases, side effects disappear completely within 24 hours. If this does not happen and the animal is clearly suffering, you should seek help from a veterinarian.
