Pyrantel pamoate, or simply pyrantel, is an antiparasitic substance for the treatment of certain types of intestinal worms in cats. This ingredient does not kill all intestinal worms, however, so some dewormers have two or more ingredients in their composition (including pyrantel) for maximum effectiveness.
Deworming your cat is necessary from their first weeks of life. Kittens can become infected with intestinal worms through their mother (transmitted through milk). It is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about the best deworming treatment for your kitten.
What is Pyrantel Pamoate?
Pyrantel pamoate or embonate is an antiparasitic substance used in the composition of some drugs (alone or with other antiparasitic substances) to kill intestinal worms. This substance does not kill all types of intestinal worms; it has no anthelmintic action on whipworms and tapeworms. Pyrantel pamoate has an effect on the following species of intestinal nematodes:
- Roundworms (How many toxocara? and Toxascaris leonina)
- Stomach worms (Tricuspid ollanulus and Physaloptera spp.)
- hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.)
To kill various types of intestinal worms in cats (including whipworms and tapeworms), veterinarians may recommend medications that contain a combination of anthelmintic substances. An example of a drug that is effective against some types of intestinal worms is Drontal Allwormer, which contains praziquantel and pyrantel embonate/pamoate.
Pyrantel pamoate is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that acts on the intestines of worms by paralyzing them. Because of this, the worms can no longer move, and the body will remove them through the feces. The most popular brand names include Nemex® and Strongid®.
Pyrantel pamoate is available in three pharmaceutical forms: tablets, liquid, and oral paste. Products should be stored below 30°C (86°F), and oral suspensions should be shaken well before use because they may separate.
How is Pyrantel Pamoate Given?
Pyrantel pamoate is available in three pharmaceutical forms, each with its own concentration:
- Tablets (22.7 mg, 62.5 mg, and 113.5 mg)
- Suspension (2.27 mg/ml, 4.54 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml)
- Oral paste (180 mg/ml)
For cats, the usual dose of pyrantel pamoate is 2.5–5 mg/lbs. (5–10 mg/kg). The dose is repeated after 2-4 weeks or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Pyrantel pamoate can be given at any time: before, during, or after meals. However, for higher efficiency, it is recommended to give the medicine before meals (in the morning on an empty stomach), and feeding should be done 1-2 hours after giving the medicine to your cat.
If your cat experiences vomiting or diarrhea after being given the medication on an empty stomach, it is recommended to give the next dose with a small amount of food.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, give it to your cat when you remember, and then continue according to the usual schedule. Do not give your cat two doses at the same time as you risk doing more damage. If you give your cat too much pyrantel pamoate, they may experience serious side effects.
If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the veterinarian.
Potential Side Effects of Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel pamoate is a safe drug with no or very rare side effects when administered correctly. However, there may still be cases where side effects may occur. Clinical signs may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Decreased or lack of appetite
- Dizziness
However, it is normal for a cat to have loose stools (or vomit) for a while after taking pyrantel pamoate. Contact the veterinarian if clinical signs do not disappear or worsen within 24 hours after administration. Additionally, cats with kidney or liver disease may experience long-term effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Clinical Signs of Intestinal Parasites in Cats?
When a cat is infected with intestinal parasites, clinical signs do not occur immediately, but a certain period must pass (depending on the parasite). Generally, clinical signs occur about 2 weeks after infection and may include the following:
- Vomiting (sometimes with parasites)
- Coughing (in heavy infestations, some cats even cough up maggots)
- Hypersalivation
- Diarrhea
- Soft stools
- The presence of parasites in your cat’s stool
- Mucus in your cat’s stool
- Stomach ache
- The belly grew
- Frequent grooming of the anal area
- Weight loss, even if your cat has an appetite
- Behavioral changes
However, some cats may not show any clinical signs and still be infected with intestinal parasites. In addition, clinical signs may vary depending on the type of parasite.
The appearance of one or more clinical signs indicates that something is wrong with your cat, and you should contact the veterinarian. Remember that many of these clinical signs are common to other diseases, and only a veterinarian can make the correct diagnosis.
What Does a Deworming Schedule for Cats Look Like?
The deworming schedule for cats depends on several factors, such as:
- Their age (kitten or adult)
- The environment in which they live (indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor)
- How often do they interact with the outside world?
- How often they interact with wild animals and other cats
Kitten Deworming Schedule
- Your kitten’s first deworming should be done at 6 weeks, then you should repeat it every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age.
- Between the ages of 3 and 6 months, deworming should be done once a month.
- After the age of 6 months, the kitten will be dewormed once every 3 months, twice a year, or as recommended by the veterinarian.
Some vets may recommend that your kitten’s first deworming be done at 3 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age, and then monthly until 6 months of age .
Adult Cat Deworming Schedule
The deworming schedule for adult cats depends on the environment in which they live. As a result, those living outdoors or indoors/outdoors should be dewormed once every 1-3 months. These cats present a higher risk of infection with intestinal parasites.
Cats that live only indoors should be dewormed once or twice a year.
Conclusion
Pyrantel pamoate is an effective anthelmintic substance in the treatment of several species of intestinal parasites. This ingredient is not effective against whipworms or tapeworms. To cover both types of intestinal worms, there are dewormers that contain another anthelmintic substance in addition to pyrantel.
Pyrantel is available in several pharmaceutical forms, and the usual dose for cats is 2.5–5 mg/lbs., repeated every 2–4 weeks or as recommended by the veterinarian. Side effects are rare when the appropriate dosage is administered. If you miss a dose, give your cat their medicine when you remember, and then follow the usual schedule. Do not give two doses at once as an overdose can lead to serious side effects. If your cat shows persistent or severe clinical signs after administration, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Featured Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock
