O.L.KAR. Pranatan suspension, 10 ml is a dewormer for cats and dogs with nematode and cestode infections — roundworms and tapeworms. It's used for prevention and treatment from 2 weeks of age. It contains two active ingredients, praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate, which together cover most intestinal worms in pets. The suspension is given once, with a little food or via a dosing syringe onto the back of the tongue.
Which worms it targets
Pranatan acts on all developmental stages of roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms include Toxocara, Toxascaris, Uncinaria, hookworms and whipworms; tapeworms include Echinococcus, Taenia, Dipylidium (the flea tapeworm), the broad fish tapeworm, Mesocestoides and Multiceps. It also works for mixed infections, when a pet has roundworms and tapeworms at the same time. How pets get infected and how often to deworm is covered in worms in cats and dogs: prevention.
How the active ingredients work
Praziquantel disrupts calcium metabolism and membrane permeability in tapeworm cells, causing the parasite's muscles to contract spasmodically and the worm to die. Pyrantel pamoate blocks neuromuscular transmission in roundworms, causing paralysis and death. Pyrantel is poorly absorbed into the blood, so it acts in the gut for longer and has low toxicity for the animal.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | cats and dogs from 2 weeks of age |
| Active ingredients | praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate |
| "For dogs" version | praziquantel 15 mg/ml, pyrantel 45 mg/ml |
| "For cats, kittens and puppies" version | praziquantel 5 mg/ml, pyrantel 15 mg/ml |
| Administration | once, in the morning with food or onto the tongue |
| Volume | 10 ml |
| Manufacturer | O.L.KAR., Ukraine |
Pros
- Broad spectrum. Roundworms and tapeworms, including Echinococcus and the flea tapeworm.
- From 2 weeks. Suitable for kittens and puppies.
- Liquid form. Easy to give to youngsters and pets that spit out tablets.
- A single dose. No need for a several-day course.
- Accurate dosing. Easy to measure by weight with a syringe.
- Affordable. An inexpensive product from a Ukrainian maker.
Cons
- Two versions. The strength differs threefold — check the label.
- Large dogs need a lot. 10 ml covers a dog of up to 30 kg.
- Doesn't kill fleas. Pets catch the flea tapeworm from fleas, which need treating separately.
- No data for pregnancy. Pregnant and nursing pets only on a vet's advice.
How to work out the dose
The dose depends on the version of the suspension. "For dogs": 1 ml per 3 kg of body weight. "For cats, kittens and puppies": 1 ml per 1 kg of body weight. Weigh your pet first — it's easy to misjudge by eye. Give the suspension once at the morning meal with a little food, or with a dosing syringe onto the back of the tongue. Shake the bottle well before use so the active ingredients are evenly mixed. If you're unsure which version you have, check the label or ask your vet.
When to deworm
Kittens and puppies are usually first dewormed at 2–3 weeks, then again on the vet's schedule, and always 10–14 days before vaccination — more in vaccinations for puppies and kittens: why and when. Adult pets that go outdoors, eat raw meat or live with children should be dewormed regularly. Treat all the animals in the home at the same time and protect them from fleas — products are in the parasite control section. If tablets are easier, see our review of Caniverm, and for puppies with coccidia, Prokox.
Who it suits
Kittens and puppies from 2 weeks, small dogs and cats that are hard to give tablets to, and routine worm prevention in adult pets. More products are in the parasite control section.
Verdict
O.L.KAR. Pranatan is an inexpensive praziquantel and pyrantel suspension against roundworms and tapeworms that can be given once from 2 weeks of age. It's convenient for youngsters and small pets. The key is to identify the version correctly and calculate the dose accurately by weight.
FAQ
From what age can it be given?
To cats and dogs from 2 weeks of age.
What's the dose for a cat?
For the "For cats, kittens and puppies" version — 1 ml per 1 kg of body weight.
What's the dose for a dog?
For the "For dogs" version — 1 ml per 3 kg of body weight.
How many times should it be given?
Once, in the morning at feeding time.
What if my pet won't take it with food?
Use a dosing syringe onto the back of the tongue.
Does it work against Echinococcus?
Yes, praziquantel acts on Echinococcus and other tapeworms.
Do I need to treat for fleas too?
Yes, fleas carry the flea tapeworm, so flea treatment is essential.
