【Main Ingredient】Praziquantel

【Properties】This product is a white tablet.

【Pharmacological Effects】Pharmacodynamics: Praziquantel has broad-spectrum antihelminthic effects against both schistosomes and tapeworms. It has extremely high activity against adult forms of various tapeworms and also shows good activity against larvae; it has a very effective anti-parasitic effect against schistosomes.

The exact mechanism of the action of praziquantel on tapeworms has not yet been determined. It may be that it interacts with the phospholipids of the worm's membrane, resulting in the efflux of sodium, potassium and calcium ions. In vitro, low concentrations of praziquantel seem to damage the suction cup function of the tapeworm and stimulate its movement. Higher concentrations of the drug can enhance the contraction of the tapeworm chain (segment chain) (with irreversible contraction at extremely high concentrations). In addition, praziquantel can cause focal vacuoles to form in specific areas of the tapeworm's membrane, subsequently causing the worm to lyse. For schistosomes and tapeworms, praziquantel may directly kill the parasites by increasing calcium ion influx into the worm, followed by the formation of focal vacuoles and subsequent phagocytosis.

Pharmacokinetics: This drug is rapidly absorbed when taken orally and is almost completely absorbed. However, it has a significant first-pass effect. In dogs and sheep, after administration, it was detected at different levels respectively in the blood.

The peak blood concentration is reached within 0.5 to 2 hours and 2 hours respectively. The blood concentration of intramuscular and subcutaneous injections lasts longer than that of oral administration. Praziquantel is distributed in various tissues throughout the body, with the highest concentrations in the liver and kidneys, and it can also pass through the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system. This wide distribution characteristic is beneficial for eliminating the larvae in various organs of the host (muscles, brain, internal organs and abdominal cavity). The praziquantel ingested by the body is rapidly metabolized by the liver into inactive mono-hydroxy or poly-hydroxy metabolites, and is mainly excreted in urine. The elimination half-life of oral administration is as follows: 7.7 hours for cattle, 1.1 to 2.5 hours for sheep and pigs, and 3 to 3.5 hours for dogs. Only a very small amount of the original drug (0.1% for sheep) is excreted from urine or feces.

【Drug Interactions】When used in combination with albendazole and dexamethasone, it can reduce the blood concentration of praziquantel.

[Function and Use] Antiparasitic drug. It is mainly used for schistosomiasis in animals, and is also used for tapeworm diseases and cysticercosis.

【Usage and Dosage】For oral administration: One dose per 10kg body weight. For cattle, sheep, and pigs, 0.5 to 1.75 tablets; for dogs and cats, 0.125 to 0.25 tablets; for poultry, 0.5 to 1 tablet.

【Adverse Reactions】(1) At high doses, mild elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase is occasionally observed in cattle, and some cattle may experience elevated body temperature, muscle tremors, and gas distension.

(2) When administered orally to dogs, it can cause anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea, but the incidence rate is less than 5%. Cats rarely experience adverse reactions.

【Important Note】Caution should be exercised when using this product for puppies under 4 weeks of age and kittens under 6 weeks of age.

【Withdrawal Period】For cattle and poultry, 28 days; for sheep, 4 days; for pigs, 5 days; for milk, 7 days.