The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two new sizes of Bayer Animal Health’s Drontal (praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate) pet medication tablets, which are used in pet cats and kittens for the removal of various internal parasites. Available sizes now include: • 13.6 mg praziquantel and 54.3 mg pyrantel base (as pyrantel pamoate) • 18.2 mg praziquantel and 72.6 mg pyrantel base (as pyrantel pamoate) • 27.2 mg praziquantel and 108.6 mg pyrantel base (as pyrantel pamoate) Revised pet medication dosing requirements are as follows: “Administer a minimum dose of 2.27 mg praziquantel and 9.2 mg pyrantel pamoate per pound of body weight according to the dosing tables on labeling. May be given directly by mouth or in a small amount of food. Do not withhold food prior to or after treatment. If reinfection occurs, treatment may be repeated.” The FDA has also revised the kitten age and weight restriction for the drug. The labeling now indicates that Drontal Tablets are not for use in kittens less than two months of age or weighing less than 2 pounds. The label previously said not for use in kittens less than one month of age or weighing less than 1.5 pounds.Bayer Animal Health is based in Shawnee Mission, Kan. <HOME>
