Drontal® and Drontal® Plus for Dogs and Cats
PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.
What is Drontal®?
Drontal® (active ingredients praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate) and Drontal® Plus (active ingredients praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel) are FDA-approved veterinary prescription deworming medications used to treat and prevent intestinal parasites in cats and dogs.
Drontal® is intended for use in cats and kittens, while Drontal® Plus is specifically formulated for use in dogs and puppies. These products are available in several formulations and strengths, including Drontal® oral tablets for cats and Drontal® Plus oral tablets or chews for dogs. The active ingredients praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel are available as the brand name Drontal Plus® and as generic deworming medication, and in many combination parasite preventative medications.
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus are available by prescription only and should be given after the presence of susceptible intestinal parasites has been confirmed by laboratory stool (fecal) testing in your dog or cat.
What Is Drontal® for Cats?
Drontal® is a broad spectrum dewormer used in cats and kittens ages 8 weeks and older and weighing more than two pounds. Drontal is indicated for the treatment of tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms in cats.
What Is Drontal® Plus for Dogs?
Drontal® Plus is a broad spectrum dewormer used in dogs and puppies ages 3 weeks and older and weighing more than 2 pounds. Drontal® Plus is prescribed for the treatment of multiple species of tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs.
It is important to note that tapeworms are transmitted by fleas. Without proper flea prevention measures, tapeworm reinfections can occur.
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Considerations
Drontal® should not be given to kittens under 8 weeks or weighing under two pounds.
Drontal® Plus should not be given to puppies under 3 weeks or weighing under two pounds and should not be used in pregnant dogs, as it may cause birth defects or loss of the fetus.
How Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Works in Dogs and Cats
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus both contain the ingredients praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate. The way in which praziquantel works against intestinal parasites is not entirely known, but it is suspected that it interferes with the worms’ muscle integrity and causes paralysis. The worms then detach and are either destroyed in the digestive tract by the pet’s immune system or passed through to be defecated out.
Pyrantel pamoate works in a similar way in that it affects the parasites’ nerves and causes paralysis of the worm. The deceased worms will either be defecated out or digested within the pet’s digestive tract.
Drontal® Plus contains the additional ingredient febantel. Febantel is converted to fenbendazole in the dog’s body. Fenbendazole blocks the ability of worms to produce energy, which ultimately starves and kills the parasite. This allows for coverage against whipworms in dogs.
Drontal® Plus is also available as Drontal® Plus Taste Tabs, which have the same active ingredients but are a tasty alternative to those pets who do not prefer taking pill medications.
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Directions for Dogs and Cats
Follow the directions on the drug label for Drontal® and Drontal® Plus or as provided by your veterinarian. Drontal® for cats and Drontal® Plus for dogs are typically given as a one-time treatment for intestinal parasites. These medications can be given with or without food.
Missed a Dose?
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus are generally given as a one-time treatment. However, if your veterinarian has instructed you to give Drontal® or Drontal® Plus on a periodic basis, speak with them about what to do if you forget to give a dose. Do not give extra or double doses unless instructed to by your veterinarian.
Drontal® and Drontal Plus® Possible Side Effects
Drontal® and Drontal Plus® are generally well tolerated in cats and dogs.
Side effects with Drontal® and Drontal® Plus are rare, but may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
Human Side Effects
This medication is not intended for use in humans.
Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.
Wash your hands after handling this medication.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring
No specific monitoring is required for this medication. However, most veterinarians routinely screen for parasites during annual exams.
Other specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is on this medication may be recommended by your veterinarian, depending on your pet's individual needs.
Call Your Vet If:
- Severe side effects are seen (see above)
- Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
- You see or suspect an overdose
- You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Drontal® or Drontal® Plus
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Overdose Information in Dogs and Cats
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of an overdose. Additional symptoms of drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, and seizures are possible.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care, contact your veterinarian, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Storage for Dogs and Cats
Drontal® should be stored at controlled temperatures from 68 to 77 F. Brief exposure to temperatures from 59 to 86 F is acceptable. Drontal® Plus tablets should be stored at controlled temperatures from 59 to 86 F. Drontal® Plus Taste Tabs should be stored at controlled temperatures below 77 F.
Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect the medication from moisture and light.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Drontal® FAQs
Do I need a veterinarian prescription for Drontal®?
Yes, Drontal® and Drontal® Plus are available by prescription only and are not available over the counter. A veterinarian has to confirm the presence of susceptible intestinal parasites by laboratory fecal testing before prescribing Drontal® and Drontal® Plus.
Can I give Drontal® Plus for Dogs to my cat?
No, Drontal® Plus is intended only for use in dogs. Although Drontal® and Drontal® Plus share two of the same active ingredients, these medications contain species-specific formulations and are dosed by weight differently in dogs and cats, so it is important to use the correct medication that matches your pet’s species and size. Likewise, Drontal® Plus for Dogs contains an additional active ingredient, febantel. Using cat medications in dogs or using dog medication in cats can cause serious problems, including lack of efficacy or an overdose.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
