Fenbendazole – Panacur & Safe-guard for cats FAQs

Did you know that Panacur Oral Suspension treats worms in cats as young as 2 weeks old¹? It can handle roundworms, tapeworms, and lung worms. This makes it super useful for both pets and vets. Let’s dive into fenbendazole, looking at how it works, the right amounts, and keeping cats safe.

Key Takeaways

• Fenbendazole helps control worms in cats and kittens from 2 weeks onward.
• It works against lots of common worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms.
• Cats of different sizes get different doses, including special care for pregnant cats.
• Few cats get sick on this, just some upset stomach sometimes.
• It’s good to use regularly in older cats to keep them worm-free.

What is Fenbendazole (Panacur®, Safe-guard®) for Cats?

Fenbendazole is a common medication for pets. It fights intestinal worms and other parasites in cats². Even though it’s approved for dogs, horses, and others, cat vets use it too². Fenbendazole comes in forms like granules and pastes with the brand names Panacur® and Safe-guard®².

Medication Overview

It’s a benzimidazole type good against many internal parasites². Sometimes, vets will mix it themselves if regular drugs don’t work².

FDA Approval and Prescription Requirement

Powder and paste fenbendazole can be bought without a prescription. But, the liquid form needs a vet’s go-ahead². Granules are okay for dogs and some big cats, but not for house cats specifically³. Yet, many cat vets still use it off-label to worm cats⁴.

Common Brand Names and Forms

Fenbendazole goes by the names Panacur® and Safe-guard®². It’s made as granules, liquids, and paste². The strength varies by form, like 22mg/g for granules³.

Used well, fenbendazole helps with worm problems in cats. Knowing its basics and where to get it can guide cat owners. This way, they can care for their pet’s health the right way.

How Fenbendazole Works in Cats

Mode of Action and Mechanism

Fenbendazole is the main ingredient in Panacur® and Safe-guard®. It fights against parasites by interrupting their cell transport system⁵. This drug specifically affects the microtubules in these cells⁶. When used in high amounts, it can also stop these parasites from making energy. This eventually kills them⁵.

This drug’s way of working is well known. It stops parasites from using glucose, their main energy source. This leads to their energy running out and they die⁵. This method is very good at fighting various intestinal parasites in cats, such as toxocara and trichuris⁵.

Fenbendazole also boosts a patient’s neutrophil count, which helps fight cancer growth⁷. White blood cells are positively affected too, helping to kill off cancer cells⁷.

“A clinical case study highlighted the successful treatment of small cell lung cancer using Fenbendazole, CBD, Curcumin, and vitamin E.”⁷

Even though studies on fenbendazole’s role in treating cancer are new, they show promise. This drug might do more than just fight parasites⁷.

Parasites Treated by Fenbendazole in Cats

Fenbendazole, known as Panacur® and Safe-guard®, fights a wide range of internal parasites in cats⁸. It works on roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia. But, it doesn’t work on all parasites, like Dipylidium caninum or Isospora⁸.

It’s vital to give fenbendazole for at least 3 days for whipworms and 5 days for Giardia to work⁸. You can find this medication in powder, liquid, or paste form. You can buy it without a prescription, but vets often recommend it for indoor cats⁸.

Other dewormers, like Febantel and Drontal®, are good for specific parasites too⁸. For some worms, your vet might use Ivermectin. And Praziquantel is great for tapeworms and safe for pregnant cats and kittens as young as 4 weeks⁸.

Fenbendazole is a key tool to combat many internal parasites in cats⁸. It’s best for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia. But, know that other options might work better for some infections⁸.

Giardiasis is serious for both people and cats, causing diarrhea. Cats can spread this more than we realize, so it’s crucial to prevent and treat it⁹. Clinical signs include weight loss, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting, with most cats not running a fever⁹.

To treat Giardia, vets often use Fenbendazole or Metronidazole for 5 to 7 days⁹. They work well together if the infection doesn’t go away. Cats usually get better, but older or weak cats have a harder time⁹.

“To avoid spreading Giardia, keep things very clean. Use products like Chlorine bleach or Lysol® and make sure your home is dry.”⁹

Besides Giardia, Fenbendazole is also used against other parasites in cats⁴. It’s given once daily for 3 days, then repeated 2-3 weeks later⁴. It starts working in a day or two. Side effects may include vomiting or diarrhea. Avoid using it on cats younger than 6 weeks⁴. It doesn’t clash with other drugs⁴.

Side Effects and Precautions

Fenbendazole, found in Panacur® and Safe-guard®, is safe for cats at the right dose¹⁰. Some cats may experience mild issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or drooling¹⁰. But, if a cat has many parasites, these side effects might be stronger.

Potential Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drooling

These issues don’t happen often but are worth knowing about¹⁰. If your cat shows bad signs, talk to your vet right away.

Precautions and Contraindications

Don’t give fenbendazole to kittens under 6 weeks old or to sick cats¹⁰. If your cat is very sensitive, use it carefully¹¹. Tell the vet about any other medicines your cat takes.

It’s safe for pregnant cats and can stop Giardia spread to their kittens¹⁰. But always check with a vet before giving it to pregnant or nursing cats¹⁰.

Fenbendazole is generally safe and effective as a dewormer for cats¹⁰¹¹. But, it’s important for pet owners to know the possible side effects. Always talk to your vet first, especially for kittens, pregnant cats, or cats with other health issues¹⁰¹²¹¹.

Dosing and Administration

Administering fenbendazole to cats is crucial. Follow the dosage instructions from your vet¹³. Normally, cats receive 20 mg/kg of fenbendazole daily for three to five days¹³.

Dosage Guidelines

Knowing your cat’s weight is crucial for correct dosage. Fenbendazole should be given for three to five days¹³. Consult your vet for a treatment plan. It’s essential to finish the entire treatment, not just when symptoms ease¹³.

Administration Instructions

Give fenbendazole by mouth, mixed with food or through a syringe, as your vet instructs⁶. The powder mixes well with food, but the liquid must be given directly⁶. The right way of giving the medicine is vital for success.

Cats might get upset stomachs from fenbendazole, showing signs like vomiting or diarrhea¹³. If this happens, contact your vet right away.

Always let your vet decide the right fenbendazole dose and how to give it, based on your cat’s needs. Proper use is key to effective and safe treatment¹³¹⁴⁶.

Missed Dose and Overdose Information

If you forget a fenbendazole dose for your cat, give it when you remember¹⁵. But, if it’s nearly time for the next dose, don’t worry about the missed one¹⁶.

Overdosing on fenbendazole usually isn’t too dangerous. But, too much or for too long can lower blood cell counts¹⁵. If you think your cat had too much, get them to a vet right away¹⁶.

Sometimes, cats may feel sick with vomiting or diarrhea from fenbendazole⁴. This usually doesn’t happen but watch out for allergic reactions too, especially if the dose is too high⁴.

Your vet might want to check your cat’s poop before and after taking fenbendazole. This is to make sure the treatment works and to spot any bad reactions⁴¹⁶.

So, give the dose you missed unless it’s almost time for the next one. Overdoses are not normally serious but can affect blood cells. Always keep an eye on your cat and follow vet advice closely for the best results¹⁵⁴¹⁶.

Drug Interactions and Monitoring

It’s key to tell the vet about any other drugs or supplements your cat is on¹⁷. Some drugs, like glucocorticoids, can interact with fenbendazole¹⁷. Also, avoid fenbendazole if your cat has had bad reactions to certain other medicines. These include oxfendazole and mebendazole¹⁷.

Your vet might suggest doing regular checks, like fecal tests, while your cat is on fenbendazole¹⁷. Tests on humans, dogs, and cats have shown 86% to 97% accuracy in spotting infections¹⁸. When looking for Giardia in dogs, one study found FLOTAC was better than other tests¹⁸.

Always follow the vet’s guidelines when giving fenbendazole to your cat¹⁷. It’s okay for pregnant or nursing cats. But, give a lower dose, not more than 11.3 mg per pound¹⁷.

Make sure your vet knows all the other meds or supplements your cat uses¹⁷. Regular checks, such as fecal tests, will help your vet know if more fenbendazole is needed¹⁷¹⁸.

Storage and Handling

It’s crucial to store and handle fenbendazole products right, like Panacur® and Safe-guard®, for cats’ treatment¹⁹.

They should be kept at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), and away from direct light²⁰. Store them in the original closed container to avoid contamination or loss of quality²⁰.

Compounded fenbendazole needs special storage, based on the compounding pharmacy’s instructions²¹. Such custom mixes might need specific conditions different from what the makers suggest.

Always handle fenbendazole with care. Don’t spill it or handle it roughly. This could be dangerous if swallowed or if it touches the skin. Always wash your hands after handling it. And keep it away from kids and pets to prevent accidents²¹.

When pet owners store and handle fenbendazole correctly, it works better and is safer for cats¹⁹. Keeping the medication in good condition helps reach the best treatment results. And it lowers the risk of side effects²⁰.

Fenbendazole Comparison with Other Dewormers

Fenbendazole is a powerful dewormer. However, it might not handle all parasite types in cats²². For types like tapeworms or coccidian parasites, special medications might be needed. Vets know the best way to deworm a cat based on its parasites and health.

Fenbendazole, found in Panacur® and Safe-guard®, is very effective¹⁷. It works well against whipworms in dogs, showing a 100% success rate¹⁷. It’s preferred over other dewormers because it’s gentle on the stomach. It’s also safe for pregnant and nursing dogs, needing a smaller dose¹⁷.

It’s interesting that fenbendazole might help treat some cancers too⁷. It, with certain supplements, could be good for many cat and dog cancers⁷. But, how well it works for cancer still needs more research⁷.

In short, while fenbendazole is useful, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Vets will choose the best deworming plan for a specific cat. The cancer-fighting ability of fenbendazole looks hopeful, but it needs more research²²¹⁷⁷.

Conclusion

Fenbendazole is a widely used dewormer for cats. It works against many internal parasites. These can include roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. There is even hope it might help fight cancer²³²⁴.

Cats usually tolerate fenbendazole well and it is safe for them. But, talking with a vet is very important. This is especially true for figuring out the right dose and checking for any health issues or drug interactions²³.

The price and where you can buy fenbendazole can change. Some types, like Safe-guard®, are easy to find in pet stores and not too expensive. Others, such as Panacur®, might need a prescription²⁵. No matter the kind, always get advice from a vet before giving it to your cat.

Source Links

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