Panacur is an antiparasitic drug whose active ingredient is fenbendazole. It is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic that has an effect against nematodes (both gastrointestinal and pulmonary) and cestodes. In addition, it is a drug that is used as a treatment against giardiasis, an infection caused by the protozoan Giardia. The dose of fenbendazole for dogs depends on the duration and purpose of the treatment, and can range between 20 and 100 mg per kg of weight per day. It is a safe drug with a wide safety margin and a small number of contraindications and side effects.
If you want to know more about Panacur for dogs, the dosage, uses and side effects it may have, we recommend that you follow reading the following article on our site.
What is Panacur?
Panacur is the trade name of a drug whose active ingredient is fenbendazole. This active principle is part of the pharmacotherapeutic group of benzimidazoles.
Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug, specifically it is a broad-spectrum anthelminticthat produces its antiparasitic effect by influencing the uptake and metabolism of nutrients in parasites. In particular, it inhibits the enzyme fumarate reductase, which leads to a depletion of glycogen and leads to parasite death by starvation.
Currently, Panacur for dogs can be found in two pharmaceutical forms, both for oral administration: tablets and oral paste. In turn, the tablets can be 500 or 250 mg.
Discover internal and external antiparasitic for puppies in this other article.
What is Panacur used for in dogs?
Panacur is an antiparasitic drug used to treat infestations by nematodes (both gastrointestinal and pulmonary) and cestodes (tapeworms). Specifically, it is active against the eggs, larvae and adults of the following parasite species:
- Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.
- Ancylostoma caninum.
- Uncinaria stenocephala.
- Trichuris vulpis.
- Taenia spp.
- Strongyloides stercoralis and Angyostrongylus vasorum: although it is not included in the Panacur technical sheet, there are studies that show its efficacy against these two species of parasites, so it could be prescribed by a veterinarian /a in case of therapeutic vacuum.
In pregnant bitches, Panacur is used as a preventive treatment to avoid infestation of puppies by Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum. However, teratogenic effects (those that cause congenital malformations) associated with a metabolite of fenbendazole, oxfenbendazole, have been described. Therefore, treatment with fenbendazole in pregnant bitches should only be done when a veterinarian considers it appropriate after carrying out a risk/benefit assessment.
In addition to its efficacy against the aforementioned helminths, fenbendazole for dogs is also used as a treatment against giardiasis, a infection caused by the protozoan Giardia. Panacur treatment prevents the excretion of Giardia oocysts for 2-4 weeks.
It should be noted that Panacur is of special interest for the treatment of animals found in collectivities such as animal protection centers, shelters or reception centers. This is because:
- It is a drug suitable for use in various animal species: including dogs and cats.
- It is a drug that has a wide spectrum of action: which makes it possible to keep animals protected against a large number of species parasites with the use of a single active ingredient.
Dose of Panacur for dogs
The dose of fenbendazole for dogs will be different depending on the therapeutic regimen:
- In single dose case: 100 mg of fenbendazole per kg of weight will be administered.
- In case of 3-day treatments: 50 mg of fenbendazole per kg of weight per day will be administered.
- In case of 5-day treatments: 20 mg of fenbendazole per kg of weight per day will be administered.
- In the specific case of pregnant bitches: the dose will be 25 mg of fenbendazole per kg of weight per day, from the day 40 gestation up to 2 days after delivery.
- In the case of giardiasis: 3-day treatments may not be enough to kill the infection. Therefore, in these cases it is possible to extend the treatment up to 7 days, even if it is not registered. In addition, it is advisable to carry out post-treatment controls to verify its effectiveness. Find out more about Giardia in dogs, symptoms, contagion and treatment in this other post that we recommend.
Overdose of Panacur
Fenbendazole is a drug with a wide safety margin, which means that in cases of overdose poisoning symptoms do not usually occur However, cases of lymphoid hyperplasia have been described in the gastric mucosa due to treatments with a dose triple that recommended or treatments with a duration triple that proposed. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian to avoid any unwanted effect of the drug.
How to administer Panacur?
In case you administer fenbendazole for dogs in tablet form, you can deposit them directly whole or chopped at the base of the tongue. However, it is preferable to break them up and mix them with a small amount of your usual food, since administration with food increases the bioavailability of fenbendazole.
If instead of tablets, you use the oral paste, you can deposit it directly on the base of the tongue after the animal has Eaten. Alternatively, you can mix the pasta with the food.
Contraindications of Panacur in dogs
The contraindications of fenbendazole for dogs are few. Specifically, fenbendazole should not be used in:
- Pregnant bitches before day 40 of pregnancy.
- Animals with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Side Effects of Panacur in Dogs
The administration of fenbendazole for dogs can cause the following adverse reactions:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Find out more about Vomiting in dogs, the causes and treatment or the Types of diarrhea in dogs in these other two articles on our site.
- Allergic reactions.
