In this article I will talk about the drug Dirofen for cats and dogs. I will describe what the medicine consists of and its release form, indications for treatment and mechanism of action, recommended dosage and instructions for using the tablets. I will give side effects and contraindications for use. I will name analogues and the price of the medicine.
Dirofen is a veterinary anthelmintic and antiparasitic drug.
Release form and composition
Dirofen for cats is offered for oral use in three forms: suspension, paste, tablets. When choosing, it is necessary to base your pet’s preferences, its age, and also take into account the convenience of feeding the drug.
The drug in any form is stored at a positive temperature (from 0 to 25 degrees) away from direct sunlight
Dirofen suspension
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The liquid form of the medicine is a yellowish solution with a viscous, thick consistency. The suspension is bottled in plastic bottles of 6 or 7 ml. The package includes a syringe for dosing the drug.
The anthelmintic effect of the suspension is due to two active compounds: praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate. Auxiliary components include food additives (E211, E951, E952), carboxymethylcellulose, pumpkin seed oil. The last ingredient improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, restores the mucous membrane and supplies the cat’s body with useful substances.
Pills
The solid form of the drug is available in the form of round, light yellow tablets. On one side there are perpendicular marks that make it easier to divide the tablet into two or four parts. The “AS” logo is embossed on the other side. Capsules are packaged in cell paper bags (2, 3, 4, 6 pieces) or in plastic jars (3, 6, 10, 20 pieces).
The weight of one tablet is 200 mg (for adult cats) or 120 mg (for kittens). The activity of the drug against worms is due to a combination of three substances: febantel, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate. The homogeneous fraction of Dirofen tablet powder is supplemented with lactose, food additive E572, talc, microcrystalline cellulose.
Dirofen paste
The medicine in appearance is a pasty mass of a light yellow hue. The drug is packaged in polymer syringes of 6 ml and 7 ml. This form is convenient because the syringe helps to dose the product, determining the required amount in milligrams. The active compounds in the paste are the same as in the suspension: praziquantel and pyrantel. As supporting components, the paste contains pumpkin oil, as well as cyclomate saccharin, aspartame, and carboxymethylcellulose.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug Dirofen cannot be used in the following animals:
- females in the early stages of pregnancy;
- cats with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- exhausted and weakened cats;
- animals suffering from infectious diseases and recovering.
If all conditions specified in the instructions are met, there are no side effects. In case of an overdose of an anthelmintic, the following symptoms are possible:
- depressed state;
- refusal of food;
- excessive salivation;
- gastrointestinal disorder (vomiting, diarrhea).
In such cases, you need to stop using the drug and also contact your veterinarian to prescribe symptomatic treatment. If a cat has an individual intolerance to the drug, then it may be prescribed antihistamines. Important: increased salivation is not always a sign of an overdose. Salivation intensifies when using Dirofen for the first time, there is no need to be afraid of this (it will go away spontaneously).
Dosages
The amount of medicine that is considered sufficient to kill all the worms in the pet’s body is calculated by the weight of the animal. It is not recommended to exceed the indicated dose to avoid undesirable consequences. The dosage is also affected by the form of the drug:
- Dirofen tablets prescribed for kittens are given at the rate of 1 piece per 1 kilogram of weight.
- Tablets for adult cats are calculated from the proportion “one piece - 5 kg of weight”.
- The suspension is fed in an amount of 1 ml per 1 kg of animal body weight.
- The deworming paste has the same dosage as the liquid solution: 1 mg/1kg.
Dirofen suspension 60 for adult dogs and cats
Application procedure
11. Dirofen suspension 20 is prescribed to puppies and kittens from 3 weeks of age, ferrets and decorative rodents from 3 to 4 weeks of age, Dirofen suspension 60 is prescribed to adult dogs and cats, for preventive and therapeutic purposes for nematodes (toxocariasis, toxascariasis, uncinariasis, hookworm infection), cestodiasis (tenidosis, dipylidiasis, echinococcosis, diphyllobothriasis, mesocestoidosis) and mixed nematode-cestodiasis invasions.
12. Contraindication for use is individual intolerance to the components of the drug (including a history of it). Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 should not be used by debilitated animals, patients with infectious diseases or convalescent animals.
13. When working with Dirofen suspension 20 and 60, you should follow the general rules of personal hygiene and safety precautions provided for when working with medications. After finishing work, wash your hands with warm water and soap. In case of accidental contact of the drug with the skin or mucous membranes of the eye, they should be immediately rinsed with plenty of water. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with the drug Dirofen suspension 20 and 60. In case of allergic reactions or if the drug accidentally enters the human body, you should immediately contact a medical facility (have instructions for use of the drug or label with you) . Empty drug bottles must not be used for household purposes; they must be disposed of with household waste.
14. Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 should not be used by females in the first half of pregnancy, puppies, kittens, rodents and ferrets under 3 weeks of age. For pregnant females, if necessary, the drug is prescribed 3 weeks before the expected birth with caution, under the supervision of a veterinarian; for females during the period of feeding their offspring - 2 - 3 weeks after birth.
15. Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 is administered orally to animals individually, once, in the morning feeding with a small amount of food, or injected forcibly onto the root of the tongue using a dispenser syringe in the following doses: adult dogs and cats - 1 ml of Dirofen suspension 60 per 3 kg animal weight; for puppies, kittens, ferrets and decorative rodents - 1 ml of Dirofen suspension 20 per 1 kg of animal weight. No preliminary fasting diet or use of laxatives is required. In case of severe infestation, deworming is recommended to be repeated after 10 days. For preventive purposes, deworming is carried out once every 3 months, as well as before each vaccination.
16. When using Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 in accordance with these instructions, side effects and complications in animals, as a rule, are not observed. In case of increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug and the occurrence of side effects and complications, the use of the drug is stopped and desensitizing therapy is carried out.
17. With a significant overdose, the animal may experience a depressed state, refusal to feed, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal disorders. In these cases, general measures are used aimed at removing the drug from the body.
18. Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 should not be used simultaneously with piperazine and cholinesterase inhibitors.
19. No specific effects of the drug upon its first use and discontinuation have been identified.
20. Violations of the recommended timing of deworming of animals should be avoided, as this may lead to a decrease in effectiveness. If the next deworming is missed, the use of Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 is resumed in the same dose, according to the same scheme.
21. Dirofen suspension 20 and 60 is not intended for use in productive animals.
How does it work on parasites?
Dirofen for worms is a combination medicine. It is the complex composition that causes a wide range of effects on parasites. The anthelmintic is effective against mature worms and their larvae. Both roundworms and tapeworms are vulnerable to the action of the drug.
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Depending on the active substance, the mechanism of antiparasitic action differs. Praziquantel changes the degree of cell permeability in the body of the parasite and thereby increases the flow of calcium ions into the cells. This causes disruption of metabolism and water-salt metabolism. Pyrantel pamoate inhibits coenzymes involved in the transmission of nerve impulses to contractile fibers. The result of the combined action of poisons is paralysis of helminths and their death.
Febantel tablets complement the action of praziquantel and pamoate. This substance blocks one of the stages of helminth energy metabolism by disrupting the synthesis of necessary enzymes. As a result, the absorption of glucose in the body of the worms becomes impossible.
Operating principle
Dirofen belongs to complex anthelmintic drugs. The drug is effective against different types of round and tape parasites. Its wide spectrum of action is due to its combined composition:
- Praziquantel
increases the permeability of cell membranes, which leads to muscle contraction and death of parasites. The active substance not only destroys worms, but also promotes their removal from the body naturally. This eliminates the need to do cleansing enemas or give the animal laxatives. It reaches its maximum concentration in the blood in just 1-3 hours, and the substance is removed from the body within a day. - Pyrantel pamoate
is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream. It effectively destroys worms in the intestines. The principle of its action is based on blocking the transmission of nerve impulses, which leads to paralysis and death of parasites. It is excreted from the body along with feces, mostly unchanged. - Febantel
differs in its principle of action, but is not inferior in effectiveness. The substance disrupts the energy processes of parasites, in particular the production of enzymes and the absorption of glucose - a source of energy for any living organism. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized in the liver, after which it penetrates the intestines along with bile.
The suspension and paste contain pumpkin oil, which has an anthelmintic effect. In addition, a component of natural origin improves stool and helps restore the intestinal mucosa damaged by helminths.
If the recommended doses are observed, the anthelmintic does not cause embryotoxic and teratogenic effects, that is, it does not have a negative effect on the development of the offspring. The components of the drug do not accumulate in the body and do not cause addiction even with frequent use.
Instructions for use of Dirofen
The anthelmintic is given to the animal at the first feeding in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach. Preliminary fasting or taking laxatives does not affect the result of treatment. The calculated dose of tablets is placed in food (a piece of meat, fish, cheese or minced meat). A convenient device for feeding capsules is an introducer (tablet dispenser). In some cases, the tablet is turned into a powder and diluted with a small amount of water. The suspension is drawn into a syringe and the contents are squeezed onto the root of the pet’s tongue. In the same way (from a syringe) the cat is given Dirofen paste and suspension.
The instructions indicate that preventive treatment against helminths with Dirofen must be carried out every three months. When treating cases of severe helminthic infestation, the drug is given twice with an interval of 10-12 days. Growing kittens are dewormed at 3, 6, 9, 12 weeks. Further, the scheme includes the 4th, 5th and 6th months. Then veterinarians advise following the instructions and giving the drug as prescribed - once every three months.
It is more convenient to combine routine deworming with vaccinations, since 10 days before vaccination the animal must be treated for worms
Release forms of anthelmintic drug for dogs
Three types of release forms make the drug available for puppies, domestic small breeds and large dogs.
| Pills | The main active ingredients are pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole. There are two types of pellets - for puppies and large individuals. Tablets for large dogs of 5 mg and small tablets are sold in blisters of 6 pieces. One blister is not enough for a course of treatment, so it is recommended to purchase a whole package. You can recognize the tablets by their white color and marks for dividing into 2 parts. |
| Paste | In addition to the above active ingredients, it includes pumpkin seed oil extract. The additional element improves intestinal motility and makes it easier to tolerate the effects of the pharmaceutical drug against helminths. The paste is sold in 10 ml tubes and is recommended for small puppies. |
| Suspension | Contains all of the listed components, sold in 10 ml plastic syringes. Suitable for puppies and small breed dogs. The syringe is equipped with a dispenser, which prevents an overdose of the medicine. The suspension has a yellowish tint and can be diluted in a small amount of water before administration. |
Paste and suspension are absorbed into the blood faster than tablets. The drug effect is the same for all types of release forms. The drug is excreted from tissues and blood along with urine. There is no cumulative effect in liver cells.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, this anthelmintic is not suitable for all cats. The first limitation concerns age. For the first three weeks of a furry pet’s life, you should not feed it with praziquantel. If a kitten is infected with worms, Dirofen is replaced with another suitable drug.
The second exception relates to pregnancy. During the first half of the term, the use of the medicine in any form is not allowed. In the last months of gestation, anthelmintic medication is allowed to be fed after consultation with a veterinarian. Breastfeeding cats can be treated with an anthelmintic two weeks after giving birth with a doctor's approval.
The list of contraindications also includes a weakened or exhausted state due to serious illness (especially related to the kidneys or liver), infection, or surgery. The indication for changing the drug is individual intolerance to certain pharmaceutical components.
Indications for use
According to the instructions for use, Dirofen tablets, like other dosage forms of the drug, are prescribed to cats for the treatment of the following pathologies:
- cestodiasis;
- nematodes;
- mixed helminthic infestations.
The medication can also be used to prevent infection with internal parasites. To prevent the appearance of worms, deworming should be carried out quarterly. It is necessary to deworm not only cats that spend a lot of time outside (for example, when living in a private house), but also pets that do not leave the apartment. Eggs or larvae of parasites can enter a pet’s body through shoes, raw meat, household items, and other ways.
Also, deworming should be carried out before each vaccination, since worms significantly reduce immunity. They release waste products that are toxic to the pet's body. As a result, complications may develop after vaccination.
Side effects and overdose
The drug Dirofen is presented by the developer as safe from the point of view of mutagenic, carcinogenic, and toxic activity. According to the classification of harmful substances, it belongs to the moderately hazardous group. After taking the medicine, it is eliminated from the body within a day. Despite this characteristic, upon first and repeated use, the deworming drug with praziquantel and pyrantel can cause a number of unpleasant short-term consequences. They are associated with well-being, but do not affect overall health. Side effects include:
- salivation;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- loose stool;
- gas formation;
- loss of appetite;
- lethargy and apathy.
If an allergic reaction occurs in any form, it is recommended to show your pet to a veterinarian!
Indications for use and mechanism of action
Used for deworming animals.
Active against nematodes and cystodes, tape and round helminths.
Dirofen, once in the gastrointestinal tract of pets, acts on parasites in all parts of the intestine, reaching its highest activity three hours after administration. It is excreted in feces and urine within two days unchanged. Dirofen does not affect the animal's body.
Praziquantel, which is part of the drug, has a deadly paralytic effect on helminths.
Helminth infestations are common diseases in animals. In the absence of timely treatment, they cause many complications associated with the functioning of all organs and systems of the pet’s body.
In kittens and puppies in an advanced form, helminthiasis can be fatal. If you find worms in your four-legged friend, you must contact your veterinarian to prescribe the correct anthelmintic therapy.
If you find worms in your four-legged friend, you should contact a veterinarian.
Average price for Dirofen for cats and kittens
The cost of packaging depends on the type of medicine and packaging.
- Dirofen tablets for adults and kittens in the amount of 6 pieces cost 120-130 rubles.
- Paste in a 7 ml syringe – 150-160 rubles. Paste packaging 10 ml - up to 180 rubles.
- The price of Dirofen suspension for cats with a volume of 7 ml falls within the range of 160-170 rubles, a slightly larger bottle (10 ml) costs on average 180-200 rubles.
- Suspension for kittens (6 ml) – from 150 to 170 rubles.
*Prices are indicated at the beginning of 2021.
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Characteristics of the drug Dirofen Plus for cats
Dirofen Plus is an anthelmintic of veterinary value. Its manufacturer is a company widely known on the Russian market of veterinary drugs - Api-San LLC.
Release forms and composition
The drug Dirofen Plus has a single release form - tablets. But they are produced in three dosages:
- Dirofen Plus for kittens and puppies - tablets weighing 120 mg;
- Dirofen Plus for cats and dogs of small and medium breeds - tablets weighing 200 mg;
- Dirofen Plus for large breed dogs - tablets weighing 1000 mg.
Since in this article we are interested in cats as pets, we will focus on the composition of the first two options for the product:
- Dirofen Plus for kittens and puppies: febantel - 15 mg;
- praziquantel - 5 mg;
- pyrantel pamoate - 15 mg.
- febantel - 75 mg;
The set of auxiliary components is the same in both cases:
- lactose;
- calcium stearate;
- Aerosil;
- talc;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
The shape of the tablets is flat, round, the color is barely noticeable yellow. One side has the AS logo, the other has a dividing line. There are two types of packaging:
- blisters containing 6 tablets;
- plastic jars with 6 tablets.
Packaging in any form is packed in a box made of thick paper, instructions are also included.
Photo gallery: varieties of the drug Dirofen Plus
Dirofen Plus is a complex anthelmintic made in Russia, active against helminths at any stage of their development. Dirofen Plus for dogs of large breeds is packaged in plastic jars. The dosage of active substances of Dirofen Plus for puppies and kittens is 5 times less than for adult animals.
Mode of action of the drug
Dirofen Plus is a combination drug whose action is aimed at the most common helminths found in cats and dogs - nematodes and cestodes.
Nematodes are roundworms, cestodes are tapeworms.
The combination of active components effectively affects worms, leading to their death:
- Pyrantel pamoate acts as a nerve impulse blocker, thereby causing paralysis of the helminth. Subsequently, approximately 93% of the dead worms are excreted through bowel movements.
- Praziquantel actively affects cestodes in the gastrointestinal tract, regardless of the phase of their development. It destroys the muscle tissue of parasites and is almost completely excreted in the urine within a day.
- Febantel - its action is based on the disruption of the absorption of glucose by the body of the helminth. The process leads to the destruction of the cellular structure of the parasite, and the worm dies.
The Dirofen tablet, moving through the gastrointestinal tract, begins active activity exclusively in the intestines. There is no significant toxic effect on the pet. According to GOST 12.1.001–76 - 4th hazard class (low hazardous substances).
Dirofen's analogs
If this medicine is not available in the veterinary pharmacy or the drug is individually intolerant, it is worth finding an alternative replacement for the cat. The range of anthelmintics is represented by the following analogues:
- Drontal. Available in tablets. The active complex includes praziquantel and pyrantel embonate.
- Profinder. Release form: drops on the withers. In addition to praziquantel, the composition contains emodepside.
- Prazitel. There are two forms: tablets and suspension. The composition is completely similar to Dirofen.
- Milbemax. Tablet form containing milbemycin oxime and praziquantel.
- Helmimax. Available in tablets. The formula contains moxidectin and praziquantel.
Table: analogues of the drug Dirofen Plus
| Name | Active substance | Indications | Contraindications | Side effects | Price |
| Drontal (tablets) |
| Helminthic infestations caused by round and tape helminths |
| Not observed in the general population, rarely:
| From 270 rub. |
| Profender (drops) |
| Kittens under 8 weeks, weighing less than 0.5 kg | Not observed in the general population, rarely:
| From 700 rub. | |
Prazicide:
|
|
| Allergic reactions |
|
Photo gallery: drugs to replace Dirofen Plus
Prazicide for cats is a product that quickly and effectively solves the problem of worms in a pet. Drontal for cats is available in tablets, each of which is designed for 4 kg of weight.
Convenience of Profender drops for external application
Reviews from veterinarians
Experts have different assessments of the effectiveness of the drug, although they unanimously recognize its safety for the cat’s body when the instructions are followed. Thus, some veterinarians believe that the product is more suitable for the treatment of individual helminthic infestations. That is, one-time use is more adequate compared to regular prevention. Other doctors find the use of Dirofen for cats, especially tablets, advisable, since it contains a combination of different active ingredients.
