Overview of Emodepside/Praziquantel for Felines and Canines

Emodepside and Praziquantel, also known as Profender®, are two drugs combined together and used to treat roundworm, hookworms, and tapeworm parasites in cats and dogs. Emodepside/Praziquantel is currently being marketed as Profender® by Bayer HealthCare. Labeled for use in cats in the United States but labeled for use in dogs in other countries. 

Due to a large number and variety of parasites that can infect pets, the control of parasitic disease often requires the use of multiple drugs. Most of the drugs commonly used to treat or control common nematode intestinal worms and heartworms are ineffective in controlling tapeworms (many of which are considered cestodes). 

Praziquantel is a parasite control drug with strong activity against a number of different tapeworms. Praziquantel impairs the function of the parasites sucker and stimulates movement of the worm. This dislodges the parasites attachment to the intestinal tract and allows it to be eliminated in the feces.

The most common tapeworm (Dipylidium) is spread from pet to pet by fleas. Less common tapeworms (Taenia and Echinococcus) are acquired by animals that hunt and ingest the hosts, such as rabbits which carry these worms.

This medication is readily absorbed through the skin by topical application.

Emodepside is a deworming medication that acts to treat roundworms and hookworms in cats. Emodepside works on the neuromuscular synapses, which ultimately causes paralysis and death of the nematodes.

Emodepside/Praziquantel is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names of Emodepside/Praziquantel

This drug is registered for use in animals only.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Profender® (Bayer HealthCare)

Uses of Emodepside/Praziquantel for Cats and Dogs

Emodepside/Praziquantel is used to control Hookworm, roundworm, and Tapeworm Infection in Cats. 

Can also be used in dogs to control hookworms, roundworms and tapeworm infections. 

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Emodepside/Praziquantel can cause side effects in some animals.

Emodepside/Praziquantel should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Emodepside/Praziquantel may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with Emodepside/Praziquantel.

Emodepside/Praziquantel is considered very safe and there are few precautions. It is approved for use in cats that are at least 8 weeks of age and weight at least 2.2 pounds (1 kg).

This drug should not be used for cats less than 8 weeks of age, less than 2.2 pounds, cats used for breeding, or during pregnancy or lactation. It should also not be used in sick or debilitated cats.

After administration, stiff hair, wet hair or a slight powdery residue at the site may be noticed in normal circumstances.

Adverse effects are few and include reports of licking/excessive grooming, scratching at site, salivation, hair loss, agitation nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, eye irritation, respiratory irritation and shaking/tremors.

Emodepside/Praziquantel should not be given to cats orally.

Emodepside/Praziquantel should be kept out the reach of children. Children should not have contact with a cat for the first 24 hours of treatment to prevent accidental ingestion.

How Emodepside/Praziquantel Is Supplied

Emodepside/Praziquantel is available in topical form in 3 dosage sizes.

• Small cat and kittens – for those weighing 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg – 0.35 ml in 1 mL pipette.
• Medium cats – for cats weighing 2.5 to 5 kg – 0.7 ml in 1 mL pipette.
• Large cats – cats weighing 5 kg to 8 kg – 1.12 ml in 2.5 mL pipette.

Dosing Information of Emodepside/Praziquantel for Cats

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

Profender® is a topical solution used in cats. Do not apply to areas where the skin is broken or if the haircoat is wet. It should be applied high on the back in an area where the pet can not lick at the area. Application at the base of the neck is the best area as it minimizes changes of licking and exposure to the area.

This medication should be applied directly to the skin without human skin exposure to the liquid. Use gloves if possible. Wash hands after administration.

Profender® may be used every 3 months in adult cats.

Profender® may be used at 8 and 12 weeks of age in kittens and every 3 months thereafter.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if you no longer see worms, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse.