Drontal

Drontal Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

An anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations.

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. Praziquantel effects the permeability of the cell membrane resulting in the contraction of schistosomes. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. The effect is more marked on adult worms compared to young worms. An increased calcium influx may play an important role. Secondary effects are inhibition of glucose uptake, lowering of glycogen levels and stimulation of lactate release. The action of praziquantel is limited very specifically to trematodes and cestodes; nematodes (including filariae) are not affected.

Drontal
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Drontal
Generic	Praziquantel + pyrantel pamoate
Type	For animal use only
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country	United States
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic medication used to treat a number of parasitic worm infections such as schistosomiasis.

For the treatment of infections due to all species of schistosoma.

This medication is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm. Pyrantel belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. It works by making the worms unable to move (paralyzed) so that the body can remove them naturally in the stool.

Drontal is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Cestode infections, Cysticercosis, Liver fluke infection, Trematode infections, Schistosoma infection

How Drontal works

Praziquantel works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the worms' muscles. This paralysis is accompanied - and probably caused - by a rapid Ca 2+ influx inside the schistosome. Morphological alterations are another early effect of praziquantel. These morphological alterations are accompanied by an increased exposure of schistosome antigens at the parasite surface. The worms are then either completely destroyed in the intestine or passed in the stool. An interesting quirk of praziquantel is that it is relatively ineffective against juvenile schistosomes. While initially effective, effectiveness against schistosomes decreases until it reaches a minimum at 3-4 weeks. Effectiveness then increases again until it is once again fully effective at 6-7 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), an essential detoxification enzyme in parasitic helminths, is a major vaccine target and a drug target against schistosomiasis. Schistosome calcium ion channels are currently the only known target of praziquantel.

Dosage

Drontal dosage

Pyrantel Pamoate is given orally at anytime without regard to ingestion of food or beverages. A single dose of 11 mg/kg body weight, to a maximum of 1 gm, should be given to treat infestations caused by the parasites mentioned above. In the case of Pinworm, it is often wise to repeat the dose after an interval of 2 weeks.

Side Effects

Pyrantel Pamoate is well tolerated in recommended dosage. When given in large dosage, Pyrantel Pamoate may cause gastrointestinal upset such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other side effects that may occur in rare occasions are headache, dizziness and rash.

Precaution

Since Pyrantel Pamoate and Piperazine appear to be mutually antagonistic, Pyrantel Pamoate should not be given together with Piperazine. Pyrantel Pamoate should be kept out of the reach of children.

Elimination Route

Rapidly absorbed (80%)

Half Life

0.8-1.5 hours (in serum)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Since Pyrantel Pamoate has not been studied in pregnant women, use of Pyrantel Pamoate in such patients is normally contraindicated. Pyrantel Pamoate is not recommended for children below 1 year of age.

Contraindication

Known hypersensitivity to pyrantel or any ingredient in the formulation.

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age;a use in this age group only when potential benefits justify possible risks.Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with preexisting liver dysfunction.