Kanikvantel for cats is an anthelmintic with a wide spectrum of action. Used for treatment and prevention. Produced in Germany in the form of tablets and gel by Euracon Pharma GmbH. The active components affect the functioning of the central nervous system of parasites, block the transmission of impulses, cause paralysis and death. The drug begins to act immediately after entering the gastrointestinal tract.
Description of the drug Kanikquantel Plus
Caniquantel Plus is a veterinary complex anthelmintic, the formula of which was developed by the German company Euracon Pharma GmbH. The drug is used for the treatment and prevention of helminthiasis in cats and dogs. International names of the product are fenbendazole and prazinquantel.
The manufacturer claims that Kanikquantel Plus is a safe and effective remedy against many types of helminths. You can buy this drug without a veterinarian's prescription.
Kanikquantel Plus is available without a veterinarian's prescription
Release form
Kanikquantel Plus is available in two forms:
- pills
- gel for oral administration.
Anthelmintic tablets of 0.6 g are packaged in foil blisters (6 or 24 tablets). Blisters are packed in cardboard boxes of 48, 60 or 90 tablets. A large package of the drug (120 tablets) is presented in the form of a metallized box.
All important information is indicated on the blisters and box:
- manufacturer's name;
- composition of the drug;
- date and batch of production, expiration date;
- The number of tablets and storage conditions are indicated on the box.
Brief information about the drug is indicated on the blister, more complete information is on the box
The inscriptions on the box, syringe or blisters can be in both Russian and foreign languages. The fact is that Russian pharmacies do not sell drugs exclusively made in Germany. Kanikvantel Plus is also produced in Russia (for example, by the Vetprom organization).
The gel is produced in a special syringe with a dispenser. The package includes three such 6 ml syringes. Dispenser syringes are also packed in a cardboard box. Basic information about the drug is indicated on the side wall of the syringe. The flavor of the gel (fish or meat) is indicated on the box. The gel is more difficult to find than tablets, but is considered more convenient to use.
The tip of the syringe is closed with a soft cap
The manufacturer includes instructions for use and a sheet of stickers in the box. Small stickers are designed to:
- mark the blister if the box is lost;
- do not forget the name of the anthelmintic by sticking a sticker, for example, on the first aid kit;
- put a deworming label in the cat’s veterinary passport, etc.
The stickers included in the box are divided into small stickers that will fit even on a small piece of blister.
Composition of anthelmintic
The composition of the drug Kanikquantel Plus depends on the form of release. So one anthelmintic tablet contains the following components:
- fenbendazole (0.5 g);
- praziquantel (50 mg);
- excipients - sodium lauryl sulfate (10 mg), magnesium stearate (up to 0.6 g), polyvidone (20 mg) and flavoring additive (12 mg).
One milliliter of gel contains:
- fenbendazole (100 mg);
- priziquantel (10 mg);
- excipients - silica gel (56 mg), liquid paraffin (up to 1 ml) and flavoring additive (120 mg).
The composition of the anthelmintic depends on the form of release
Storage conditions for veterinary drugs
Both tablets and gel should be stored under the conditions recommended by the manufacturer:
- in a dry, dark place;
- away from food and animal feed;
- at a temperature of 0–25°C;
- in a place inaccessible to children.
The shelf life of the anthelmintic is 4 years from the date of issue. After this period has expired, the drug should be disposed of according to general rules. If we are talking about a gel, then the syringe from it cannot be used for household purposes. The drug in any form becomes unsuitable for use if storage conditions are violated.
One way or another, anthelmintics contain toxic substances, so such products must be stored with special care. Manufacturers always recommend storing medicinal products in their original packaging. But I have encountered situations where this becomes impossible, even though the drug’s expiration date has not yet expired. If the box of pills is lost or the blister is damaged, the pills can be placed in another container and one of the stickers can be glued to the lid. On such labels I usually write the release date and expiration date. Such manipulations should be carried out wearing protective gloves. Hands should be washed with soap and water after contact with anthelmintics.
Medications for cats should be stored separately from human medications.
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.
Indications for use
German anthelmintic is active against round and tapeworms:
- Toxasaga (toxocaras) and Toxascaris leonina (toxascarids);
- Uncinaria stenocephala (uncinaria);
- Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm);
- Trihuris vulpis (trichocephaly);
- Echinococcus granulosis (echinococcus);
- Echinococcus multicolaris and Taenia spp. (tenii);
- Dipylidium caninum (dipylidia);
- Diphyllobotrium latum (diphyllobothria);
- Multiceps multiceps (multicepts);
- Mesocestoides spp. (mesocests).
The wide spectrum of action of Kanikquantel Plus extends to all stages of development of these helminths (from larvae to adults). Therefore, the drug can be prescribed both for the treatment and prevention of helminthiasis, such as:
- toxocariasis and toxascariasis;
- uncinariasis and hookworm;
- trichocephalosis;
- teniasis and echinococcosis;
- dipylidiasis, diphyllobothriasis;
- mesocestodiasis, etc.
Kanikvantel can treat and prevent most helminthiasis
Cost of medicine and analogues
The price of the deworming product depends on the derivative form of Kanikquantel. The cost is influenced by the location of the pharmacy (terrain) and the pricing policy of the pharmaceutical company selling the drug.
Price of the drug at the Moscow veterinary pharmacy "Vetlek":
- the medicine Kanikvantel Plus in a package of 6-24 tablets costs from 420 to 1 thousand 607 rubles, respectively;
- the form with the Plus XL prefix is sold in kiosks for 1 thousand 480 rubles;
- the product in the form of a gel is offered at a price of 260-300 rubles per unit (syringe).
A large package containing 24 tablets is used if there are many pets in the house or the dog itself is large. For example, for a large dog whose weight is within 60 kg, such a pack is enough for a year, and the owner gives him 6 tablets every quarter.
Analogues of Kanikvantel:
- Azinox. It contains only praziquantel, the medicine affects many parasites. Destroys tapeworms at different stages of development, begins action in half an hour.
- Milbemax. The active components are milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. The combined drug works 2-3 hours after administration.
Analogues are used in the treatment and prevention of intestinal parasites; they sometimes replace the drug Kanikquantel. Rotation of medications is necessary so that helminths do not develop resistance to the same drug.
How the drug works
The pharmacological effect of the drug is due to the influence of the active substances on helminth organisms. Praziquantel disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and the transport of glucose cestodes. This leads to paralysis and then to the death of the parasite. Fenbendazole acts on the muscular system of the worm, so it dies inside the cat's body and is then excreted from the gastrointestinal tract.
The active substances are quickly absorbed from the intestinal walls and distributed throughout the organs and tissues of all vital systems. The helminths die within 24 hours. The components of the drug are excreted from the body along with urine.
Kanikquantel destroys the muscle and nerve tissue of parasites
Spectrum of action
The spectrum of action of a drug is the number of problems that it can help get rid of. Kanikquantel is made on the basis of the active ingredient fenbendazole with the addition of praziquantel against the main types of helminths:
- Cestodes are tapeworms, or tapeworms, that parasitize the small intestine and liver;
- Nematodes are round parasites that affect the entire digestive system, and sometimes reach vital organs (heart, lungs, brain);
- Trematodes are flatworms that are less common than others, but cause no less harm to the body of our pets.
BY THE WAY! Many types of helminths are transmitted to humans and are contagious to other animals in the house!
There are two active ingredients: fenbendazole and praziquantel. Thanks to this combination, all types and stages of development of parasites are simultaneously destroyed. Therefore, repeated use is not required either for treatment or prophylaxis.
Features of use in cats
Many owners and veterinarians use Kanikquantel Plus not only because of its complex effect on parasites. No diet is required before using an anthelmintic. There is also no need to use laxatives. To use Kanikquantel Plus correctly, the cat owner needs to select the dosage and treatment regimen. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian, because only a specialist can prescribe proper treatment or preventive measures.
I have friends who consult a veterinarian before treating their cat for worms. But if we are talking about the prevention of helminthiasis, then they select the drug independently and without consulting a specialist. Cat owners believe that preventive measures do not necessarily need to be supervised by a veterinarian. In fact, preventing the disease is no less important than its treatment. Each drug has nuances of use, and each animal has health characteristics, so if you are using a drug that you have not used before, consult with a veterinarian, at least by phone.
Before purchasing an anthelmintic, you should consult your veterinarian.
Selection of doses and regimen of tablets
The dosage of Canikquantel Plus tablets is calculated from the ratio: 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. For convenience, the tablet is divided into a line.
Table: selection of dosage of tablets for cats
| Animal body weight | Dosage |
| Up to 2.5 kg | 1/4 tablet |
| From 2.5 to 5 kg | 1/2 tablet |
| From 5 to 7.5 kg | 3/4 tablets |
| From 7.5 to 10 kg | 1 tablet |
The drug should be given once during the morning meal . This can be done in one of the following ways:
- grind a single dose to a powder, dissolve in 10 ml of water and pour into the cat’s mouth using a syringe;
- crush the drug and mix it with a small amount of your usual food;
- use a tablet dispenser (a special device sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies);
- put the tablet on the root of the tongue.
Breeders I know who have not purchased a tablet dispenser mix the drug with food or minced meat, since the smell of meat in the tablets cannot force the cat to swallow the medicine. But in this case, particles of the drug will still end up in the cat’s mouth, she will have to chew food with the medicine, and this causes severe salivation. The animal may spit out the food. Thanks to my experience, I came to the conclusion that the easiest way is to put the tablets on the root of the tongue. To do this, you just need to open your pet’s mouth, lift the cat’s head up and carefully lower the tablet between the teeth. The medicine gets exactly where it is needed. The cat's reflex is triggered and the tablet is swallowed.
If the cat is not sick, but you plan to prevent infection, then the procedure must be repeated once a quarter.
The tablets are convenient to use using a special device that can be purchased at a pet store.
Selection of doses and regimen for taking the gel
The syringe in which Kanikquantel gel is sold has graduations on the piston with options for the weight of the cat. Using its scale, you can adjust the dispenser at the rate of 0.5 ml per 1 kg of weight. For example, if a cat weighs 4 kg, then he needs 2 ml of gel. After the dose has been measured, you need to remove the cap from the tip of the syringe, insert it into the cat's mouth and squeeze out the contents. When the cat swallows the gel, the syringe must be capped.
Some cat owners have noted that the animal spits out the gel. In such cases, the required dose of gel is mixed with your favorite food.
If we are not talking about the prevention of helminthiasis, but about treatment, then the procedure is recommended to be repeated 1–1.5 weeks after the first use.
The gel is very easy to give by exact weight. In order not to “give too much”, you can drink Kanikquantel not from the original dispenser syringe, but by squeezing the required amount into a spoon or medical syringe without a needle. True, I don’t bother like that, especially since an overdose of Canikquantel, even 3 times in the experiment, did not cause side effects. After all, the drug is intended to poison worms, not their warm-blooded hosts.
OlgaLeprechaun, forum user
https://irecommend.ru/content/v-forme-gelya-bezuprechno-tochnoe-dozirovanie-kanikvantel-idealen-dlya-tekh-u-kogo-zhivut-i
Some cats can only eat the gel with wet food.
Precautionary measures
When using the drug, you must observe general precautions:
- Before use and after working with the drug, you should wash your hands with soap;
- when working with the medicine, you should not eat, drink or smoke;
- Children should not be allowed to come into contact with the drug;
- Allergy sufferers are not recommended to come into contact with the medicine (you can use gloves and a medical mask);
- if the medicine gets on the mucous membranes, it should be washed off with running water;
- if one of the household members has an allergy to the drug, he needs to go to a medical facility (take the box or label of the medicine with him);
- If an animal develops an allergy, it should be taken to a veterinarian.
Particular attention should be paid to the cat's toilet. According to the rules, the excrement excreted by the cat after treatment must be collected in a separate container and filled with some kind of disinfectant (chloramine is suitable). If you simply throw the contents of the tray into the toilet, then you need to pay attention to its cleanliness. In any case, the tray must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
My cat has a plastic litter box, but I always treat it with chlorine bleach. To prevent the plastic from absorbing the pungent odor, I do this: I wash off the bleach with hot water, then rub the bottom of the tray with washing powder and rinse with cold water several times.
After deworming, the contents of the tray must be disposed of in accordance with the general rules
Reviews about Kanikquantel for cats
Makar : “Recently I began to notice that many people are complaining that Kanikvantel has stopped working. I still consider this remedy to be one of the most powerful, but I cannot refute or confirm the prevailing opinion. I traditionally do prophylaxis for my adult cat once a quarter and have not observed and do not observe worms. I hope this will continue to be the case!”
Victoria : “I noticed parasites in the stool of a teenage kitten and started giving Kanikquantel. She gave it according to the instructions, but still after a while I noticed that the worms did not die. I don’t know what this is connected with, maybe Kanikquantel really didn’t help, but I bought another product.”
Tatyana : “We got a cat and gave Kanikquantel before vaccination. Taking the drug did not affect either the appetite or the mood - the cat is cheerful, playful and eats as before. I will continue to give the drug - I liked this product.”
Can it be used in pregnant cats and kittens?
Kanikquantel Plus is not recommended for kittens up to three weeks of age, as well as for lactating and pregnant cats in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy.
An anthelmintic is not prescribed to small kittens due to the fact that the active substances will affect the tissue cells of not only the parasites, but also the animal itself. Such a kitten will be far behind its peers in growth and development. If you notice signs of a helminthic infestation in your kitten, contact your veterinarian. You may be recommended more gentle anthelmintics.
Kanikquantel is a low-hazard drug, but a nursing cat can pass on its components to its babies through milk. Without the help of a specialist, cat owners sometimes use Kanikquantel to treat pregnant cats, although the manufacturer does not recommend this.
Manufacturers of Kanikquantel do not recommend the use of this anthelmintic for the treatment of pregnant cats and small kittens
How much does Kanikquantel cost?
You can now view the current price of the drug and buy it right here:
You can easily purchase an anthelmintic drug at any veterinary pharmacy. The price of Kanikquantel for cats (can also be used for dogs) is available to owners of furry animals. The cost depends on the type of drug and packaging. On average, one tablet costs from 80-100 rubles. A pack of 24 tablets can be purchased for 1600-1800 rubles, the gel will cost 900-1000 rubles, depending on the region and pharmacy.
Thanks to its low price and safety, you can protect your cat from parasites by doing timely prevention or without delaying treatment if they are detected.
Side effects and contraindications
The instructions for use say that there are no side effects from the use of the drugs. Moreover, veterinarians have little hesitation in prescribing dosages that may exceed those recommended. For example, if a cat weighs only 2 kg, then it is prescribed 1/5 of the tablet, but the veterinarian may prescribe a quarter. It is believed that a slight excess of the dose is safe for the animal.
Contraindication is increased individual sensitivity to the components of the anthelmintic. This tendency can only be determined by the appearance of allergy symptoms (weakness, nausea, vomiting, etc.). These manifestations are temporary, they will go away on their own, there is no need to treat intolerance.
Some owners confuse an allergy to the drug with intoxication. The fact is that any anthelmintic can kill parasites, but not remove them from the body. The worms begin to decompose in the animal’s tissues, and the decay products enter the bloodstream, poisoning the cat. In such cases, the symptoms (vomiting and nausea) do not go away and you will need to contact a veterinary clinic for treatment.
Loose stools during the day after deworming are allowed; vomiting is a sign of intoxication and may be associated with an anthelmintic drug, or may be a coincidence. In any case, symptomatic therapy is indicated using antispasmodics (no-spa, papaverine), antiemetics (cerucal, serenia), gastroprotectors (zantac), antibiotic therapy is possible, in the absence of vomiting - enterosorbents, for large volumes of vomiting and diarrhea - subcutaneous or intravenous infusions .
a.ketane, forum user, veterinarian
https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tid=7&tem=617706
If your cat is feeling sick or vomiting, she may be allergic to the drug.
Precautionary measures
When using any chemical composition, a person must not forget about the rules of personal safety, which, first of all, are based on hygiene. After handling the animal, be sure to wash your hands with soap, especially if the product accidentally comes into contact with the skin. In case of contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes, they should be rinsed with plenty of clean water.
People with hypersensitivity to the components of “Kaniquantel” should exercise maximum caution, avoiding direct contact with it. If any uncharacteristic consequences occur (mainly allergies) or if the product accidentally enters the body, you should immediately consult a doctor for advice.
It is possible that not only your cat or dog will need help, but also you yourself, although if you follow the instructions for use of the drug, such cases are very rare.
Important! Empty drug packaging should be disposed of immediately. They are not suitable for domestic use.
Interaction with other drugs
The manufacturer does not recommend using Kanikquantel Plus simultaneously with other drugs, since the interaction of its components with other substances has not been fully studied.
It is especially not recommended to use this remedy together with medications containing piperazine adipate. It is believed that such an interaction will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the anthelmintic.
Only veterinarians can combine Canikquantel Plus with other medications. In addition, specialists sometimes have to treat cats with obvious helminthic infestation for serious illnesses. In such cases, they are forced to prescribe an anthelmintic with antibiotics, as well as with symptomatic drugs.
Veterinarians do not recommend combining Caniquantel Plus with Piperazine
Personal safety rules
Kanikquantel plus tablets are prohibited for use for human deworming.
The drug in the form of a suspension or powder that gets onto damaged areas of the skin must be quickly removed using a large amount of running water. The appearance of itching, redness or other symptoms of an allergic reaction can be eliminated by using oral antihistamines, as well as ointments and gels for external use.
Analogues of the drug
The most popular analogues of the drug CAnikquantel Plus include:
- Milbemax tablets for cats;
- Drontal;
- Pratel (Pratel tabulettae).
Comparative table: analogues of the drug Kanikquantel Plus
| Name | Development organization | Active ingredients | Indications | Restrictions | Release form | Price |
| Milbemax | Novartis Sante Animale, France | Praziquantel and milbemycin oxime | Nematodes, cestodes | Not recommended for kittens under 6 weeks of age and cats less than 0.5 kg, pregnant cats up to the third semester and lactating cats up to 3 weeks after lambing | Pills | From 260 rubles |
| Drontal | Bayer Animal Health, Germany | Pyrantel embonate, praziquantel | Not used to treat kittens under 3 weeks of age, animals weighing less than 1 kg and pregnant cats | From 265 rubles | ||
| Pratel | Novartis Sante Animale, France | Not recommended for weakened and exhausted cats, kittens under 6 weeks of age, early pregnant cats and animals with liver and kidney diseases | From 49 rubles |
Photo gallery: popular anthelmintics
Drontal is considered one of the most powerful anthelmintics, so the package contains only 1 or 2 tablets
Milbemax is very popular among veterinarians
Pratel is less popular among Russian cat breeders, although it contains the same components as Drontal
Kanikvantel for dogs - instructions for use
Canikquantel plus is allowed to be used by puppies starting from the third week of life, provided that the dosage of the drug is correctly calculated.
When and how to give Kanikquantel
To avoid overdose and side effects, you need to know when and how to give the drug presented to your pets.
Canikquantel plus is used as a therapeutic agent to confirm the diagnosis of nematodosis or cestodosis, as well as:
- for the purpose of preventing these helminthiases;
- 10-14 days before vaccination;
- 10 days before the expected mating;
- before surgery.
You can administer the medicine in two ways:
- placing the whole tablet in the oral cavity;
- mixing the crushed preparation with minced meat, pate or other favorite delicacy.
To ensure swallowing of the tablet, the following algorithm of actions must be followed:
- dogs of small breeds are placed on the table and fixed in a sitting position, and large pets are held between the knees together with their backs to themselves;
- lifting the animal’s muzzle up, press with your thumbs on the area located behind the chewing teeth;
- quickly place the tablet in the mouth on the root of the tongue;
- without giving the opportunity to unclench the jaws and lower the head, they gently stroke the dog’s neck;
- release the pet after it makes a swallowing movement.
Owner reviews
I gave all my pets Kanikquantel a month ago, my cats before the next vaccination, and my parents also before vaccination before going to the country. Everything went well, there were no side effects. By the way, it is sold individually, the price of one tablet is 80 rubles (and one tablet, I repeat, is designed for 10 kg of animal weight, so it comes out very cheap).
Kassandra-abiss, forum user
https://irecommend.ru/content/davaite-pogovorim-o-prekrasnom-davaite-u-vas-est-glisty-neeet-nu-vot-i-prekrasno-kanikvantel
The drug works well. No coughing for three months. I am sure that the animals are healthy and cannot infect anyone! The composition is good and acts on a wide range of parasites. And for the animal’s body, the drug is a low-hazard substance. I'm satisfied with the drug. I didn’t find any disadvantages for myself or for the animals. I consider Kanikquantel Plus a decent anthelmintic and as safe as possible.
OXANAPOV, forum user
https://otzovik.com/review_3874381.html
Video: review of anthelmintics from a network user
The young cat weighed 4 kg, following the instructions for this drug, I gave him a little less than 1/2 tablet. An adult cat weighing 5 kg. I received half a tablet. Exactly 10 days later, I repeated deworming of my charges. The young cat tolerated the drug well, but the 10-year-old cat vomited the next day. The manufacturer recommended using the drug in the morning. The next time I decided to give Kanikvantel to the animals in the evening (after all, the stomach would not be empty), then I did not observe such a side effect from the pill in an adult cat.
AsyaProstoAsya, forum user
https://irecommend.ru/content/u-vashei-koshki-toksokaroz-universalnyi-nemetskii-preparat-dlya-ego-lecheniya-i-moi-samyi-ef
I constantly give Kanikvatel to low-income cats and street cats in my care, it breaks into quarters very easily. As for how to give, I have no problems. Briefly, the deeper and faster I shoved it into my mouth, the faster I swallowed it, it really takes me no more than 510 seconds to deworm it with everyone. But for my animal I always choose Milbemax.
WillowR, forum user
https://otzovik.com/review_5434722.html
