Medicine

Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

 
Cristina Pascual
By Cristina Pascual, Veterinaria. Updated: January 29, 2024
Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
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Panacur is an antiparasitic drug with the active ingredient 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 protozoa Giardia. The dose of fenbendazole for dogs depends on the extent of the parasitical infestation. It can range between 20 and 100 mg per kg of body weight per day. It is considered a safe drug, in part due to a low number of contraindications and side effects.

AnimalWised brings you more information on Panacur for dogs by understanding the uses, dosage and side effects of fenbendazole for dogs. Although it can be purchased over the counter, it is always advised to administer fenbendazole after consultation with a veterinarian.

Contents

  1. What is Panacur for dogs?
  2. Uses of Panacur for dogs
  3. Panacur dosage for dogs
  4. Contraindications of Panacur for dogs
  5. Side effects of Panacur for dogs

What is Panacur for dogs?

Panacur is the brand name of a drug whose active substance is fenbendazole. This active principle is part of the pharmacotherapeutic group of benzimidazoles. It is also sold under the brand name Safe-Guard in the United States.

Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug. Specifically, it is a broad spectrum anthelmintic which means it is used to destroy parasitic worms. The drug 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 reduction in glycogen and results in the death of the parasite by starvation.

At present, Panacur for dogs can be found in two dosage forms, both for oral administration: tablets and oral paste. The tablets can be sold in 500 or 250 mg doses.

Uses of Panacur for dogs

Panacur is an antiparasitic drug used to treat nematode (roundworms) and cestodes (tapeworms). These most usually infest the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. Its action works against the eggs, larvae and adults of the following species of parasites:

  • Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina
  • Ancylostoma caninum
  • Hookworm stenocephala
  • Trichuris vulpis
  • Taenia spp.
  • Strongyloides stercoralis and Angiostrongylus vasorum

Although it is not included in the Panacur technical data sheet, there are studies that demonstrate its efficacy against these last two species of parasites. It could be prescribed by a veterinarian in case there is no better alternative.

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 dogs should only be done when a veterinarian considers it appropriate after carrying out a risk/benefit assessment.

In addition to its effectiveness against the previously mentioned helminths, fenbendazole for dogs is also used as a treatment against giardiasis. This is an infection caused by the protozoan Giardia. Treatment with Panacur prevents the excretion of Giardia oocysts for 2-4 weeks.

It should be noted that the Panacur is particularly useful in places where large numbers of dogs stay together, such as the case in shelters, kennels and animal protection 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, allowing animals to be protected against a large number of parasitic species with the use of a single active ingredient.

If you want to know more about how fenbendazole can help protect your companion animal, take a look at our guide to hookworms in cats.

Panacur dosage for dogs

The dose of fenbendazole for dogs will be different depending on the degree of the infestation, type of infestation and administration schedule:

  • In the case of a single dose: 100 mg of fenbendazole will be administered per kg of weight.
  • In the case of 3-day treatments: 50 mg of fenbendazole per kg of body weight per day will be administered.
  • In the 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 body weight per day, from day 40 of gestation until 2 days after delivery.
  • In the case of giardiasis: 3-day treatments may be insufficient to kill the infection. In these cases it is possible to extend the treatment up to 7 days. In addition, post-treatment controls may be carried out to verify its effectiveness. Find out more about Giardia in dogs, including its symptoms, contagion and treatment.

Panacur overdose

Fenbendazole is a drug with a wide margin of safety. In cases of most overdoses intoxication does not usually occur. However, cases of lymphoid hyperplasia in the gastric mucosa have been described when triple-dose treatments have been used when single-dose treatments were required. It is essential to adhere to the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian to avoid any unwanted effects of the drug.

How to administer Panacur for dogs

When administering fenbendazole for dogs in tablet form, you can deposit them directly whole or in pieces at the base of the tongue. It is usually preferable to break them up and mix them with a small amount of their usual food, since administration with food increases the bioavailability of fenbendazole.

If you use the oral paste instead of tablets, you can place it directly on the base of the tongue after the animal has eaten. Alternatively, you can mix the paste into the food.

Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects - Panacur dosage for dogs

Contraindications of Panacur for dogs

Contraindications to fenbendazole for dogs are rare. The main cases when fenbendazole for dogs should be avoided are in:

  • Pregnant bitches before day 40 of gestation.
  • Animals with hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the drug.

Side effects of Panacur for dogs

The administration of fenbendazole for dogs can cause the following adverse reactions:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders, including vomiting and diarrhea. Find out more about vomiting in dogs and types of diarrhea in dogs with our related articles.
  • Allergic reactions for dogs sensitive to certain ingredients.

It is important to remember that the underlying infestation of parasites will likely be causing symptoms, so ensure you do not confuse these with side effects of fenbendazole for dogs.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.

Bibliography
  • Barr, S. C., Bowman, D. D., & Heller, R. L. (1994). Efficacy of fenbendazole against giardiasis in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 55(7), 988-990
  • Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Technical data sheet Panacur oral paste 187.5 mg/g for dogs and cats. Retrieved from: https://cimavet.aemps.es/cimavet/pdfs/es/ft/1624+ESP/FT_1624+ESP.pdf
  • Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Technical data sheet Panacur 500 tablets. Retrieved from: https://cimavet.aemps.es/cimavet/pdfs/es/ft/1118+ESP/FT_1118+ESP.pdf
  • Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Data sheet Panacur 250 tablets. Retrieved from: https://cimavet.aemps.es/cimavet/pdfs/es/ft/1085+ESP/FT_1085+ESP.pdf

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Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects