Procox ® is an antiparasitic medicine with a spectrum of action against nematodes and the most common coccidia in our cats. It is a product marketed for dogs but which has also demonstrated its action against feline parasitosis, specifically against nematode parasites from the group of ascarids and hookworms and cat coccidia belonging to the genus Isospora. With a high rate of safety and efficacy and generally without side effects, it is a good form of deworming for kittens over two weeks of age.
Continue reading this article on our site to learn more about the use of Procox ® in cats, the active ingredients it contains with its mechanism of action, dose, side effects and contraindications of use in the feline species.
What is Procox and how does it work?
Procox ® is a nematocidal and coccidiocidal antiparasitic drug in the form of a yellowish or whitish oily suspension, composed of two active ingredients: emodepside (0.9 mg/ml) and toltrazuril (18 mg/ml).
The first of them, emodepsida, belongs to the group of depsipeptides and is a semi-synthetic compound that iseffective against feline nematodes or roundworms of the roundworm and hookworm group, acting at the neuromuscular junction by stimulating presynaptic receptors of the secretin group that induces paralysis and subsequent death of this type of parasite.
toltrazuril, on the other hand, is a triazinone derivative effective against coccidiafelines of the Isospora genus, through an action against their intracellular development in the host cells, acting against all the multiplicative stages of the cycle, that is, in the asexual multiplication or merogony phase and in the of sexual multiplication or gametogony, preventing the production of more oocysts.
Emodepside remains in the body for less time, with a half-life of 10 hours compared to 138 hours for toltrazuril, the latter being the one that is absorbed orally the slowest, reaching the maximum concentration at 18 hours versus 2 hours for emodepside. These active ingredients are distributed throughout the body, concentrating more in fat.
What is Procox used for in cats?
Procox ® is used in cats for the treatment of mixed parasitic infestations by nematodes and coccidia, especially in kittens.
The antiparasitic spectrum of Procox ® in cats includes the following nematode parasites of cats:
- Toxocara cati in all its forms (from larva 4 to mature adult)
- Uncinaria stenocephala (mature adults)
- Toxascaris leonina (mature adult, immature adult and L4)
In addition, as it contains toltrazuril it is also effective against feline coccidia, specifically:
- Isospora felis
- Isospora rivolta
Learn more about intestinal parasites that affect cats and the symptoms they produce.
Dose of Procox for cats
Procox ® can be used in kittens from two weeks of age and weighing 400 grams, being a useful medicine for treat coccidiosis or roundworm in younger cats.
With a single administration of Procox ® in cats, the diffusion of isospore oocysts can be reduced, not requiring more doses. But if it is suspected that there is still mixed infection with nematodes, the administration should be repeated. It should be noted that like any other antiprotozoal or anthelmintic antiparasitic, its frequent use can induce the development of resistance, with the enormous risk that this entails.
When applying Procox ® in cats, a small syringe should be used with the exact amount of product that the veterinarian will prescribe according to your cat's weight, generallyBetween 0.5 and 1 ml/kg , and it will be administered by mouth previously shaken, discarding the syringe once used.
Procox side effects for cats
Although very rare, cats treated with Procox ® may have undesirable side effects, including transient and mild digestive system disorders, such as vomiting or softer stools than normal. Do not worry if this happens, as they will recover in a short time and it is very unlikely that it will produce more serious signs such as fever, neurological changes or altered mood and vitality. However, if you notice that your cat has had a secondary effect after the administration of Procox ®, you must notify the national pharmacovigilance system or notify your veterinarian that this has occurred to notify it.
Procox ® does not usually cause allergic reactions, except in cats sensitive to some excipient, which is quite uncommon. If this happens, you should consult your veterinarian for another antiparasitic product for cats.
Contraindications of Procox for cats
Like all medications, Procox ® has a number of contraindications for use in some cats:
- Do not use in kittens weighing less than 400 grams and two weeks old.
- Do not use in cats with known hypersensitivity to the excipients or active ingredients of the drug.
- Do not use in pregnant cats because no studies have been carried out to demonstrate its safety.
- Do not administer to lactating cats (at least during the first two weeks) due to possible risk of transmission to breast milk and consequently to the kitties.
- Do not use with other drugs that use the same transport system as emodepside, such as macrocyclic lactones.
- Do not mix with other medications to avoid interactions.
