Pyrantel pamoate (brand names Nemex®, Nemex 2®) is an anthelmintic, or dewormer. It is used to treat intestinal roundworm, hookworm, and stomach worm parasites in dogs. The use of pyrantel pamoate to treat intestinal parasites in cats is off label or extra-label. This medication is also used off label to treat roundworms and hookworms in small mammals such as rabbits and rodents. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully. Pyrantel pamoate is also found in a variety of combination products for the treatment of intestinal parasites and/or heartworm.
Description
Pyrantel pamoate (also called Strongid, Nemex, and many other brand names) is most commonly used to treat hookworms and roundworms in dogs and cats. Roundworms and hookworms are typically picked up by pets when they ingest contaminated soil or feces or eat an infected prey animal. Puppies and kittens can also become infected with these parasites directly from their mothers. Pyrantel pamoate is not effective against tapeworms, whipworms, or many other types of intestinal parasites.
Your veterinarian may perform a fecal floatation test if they suspect that your pet has intestinal parasites or as part of a routine check-up. This test involves taking a small fecal sample from your dog or cat and putting it in a small container with a solution that will encourage parasite eggs to float. A slide is then made of the floating material and examined under a microscope to identify the type of parasite eggs that are present, which will determine which type of deworming medication is appropriate for your pet.
Pyrantel pamoate is available as a single agent or in combination with other deworming medications. Products such as Drontal contain pyrantel pamoate in conjunction with another drug, praziquantel, so that it can treat roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Drontal Plus contains pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, as well as another medication called febantel, and is effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Features of Pyrantel For Dogs
Pyrantel pamoate is available as a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Pyrantel pamoate should be given by mouth with or without food. Liquid forms must be shaken well before use. Measure the dosage carefully. Follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be noticeably visible and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness. If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, and then wait the amount of time between doses recommended by your veterinarian before dosing again. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. It is very important to give the medication for the length of time your veterinarian has recommended.
Dosage of Pyrantel For Dogs
| Dosing recommendations for PYRANTEL | ||
| DOGS | ||
| Delivery | Parasites | Dose (against pyrantel-susceptible parasites) |
| Oral (base) | Gastrointestianl roundworms | 5 mg/kg; rep after 1 week against Ancylostoma spp |
| Oral (pamoate) | Gastrointestianl roundworms | 14.5 mg/kg (= 5 mg/kg base); rep after 1 week against Ancylostoma spp |
| Oral (base) | Toxocara canis, puppies | 5 mg/kg on days 10, 20 & 30 after birth. In puppies of large breeds 7,5 mg/kg. |
| Oral (pamoate) | Ancylostoma, Uncinaria, puppies | 14.5 mg/kg (= 5 mg/kg base) 30 min after a light meal. In high-risk puppies 1 weel after birth tras el parto + every 2 weeks during 5-8 weeks |
Specification
- Drug Name: Pyrantel Pamoate for Dogs and Cats
- Common Name: Nemex®, Strongid®
- Drug Type: Antihelmintic
- Used For: Eradication of internal parasites
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: Oral liquid
- How Dispensed: Over the counter
- FDA Approved: Yes, for dogs
Prices of Pyrantel For Dogs
$29.23–$69.48