emodepside + praziquantel

**Emodepside + praziquantel** is a fixed-dose combination antiparasitic veterinary drug marketed under the brand name Profender. It is indicated for the treatment and control of mixed intestinal worm infections (nematodes and cestodes) in cats and dogs. **Emodepside** is a semi-synthetic depsipeptide active against nematodes such as roundworms (e.g., ascarids) and hookworms. It acts at the neuromuscular junction by stimulating presynaptic secretin receptor family receptors, causing paralysis and death of the worms. **Praziquantel** is a pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative effective against tapeworms (cestodes); it acts by altering calcium permeability in the parasite membrane, leading to muscular contraction, paralysis, and death of the tapeworm[3][4][7]. The combination is applied topically (spot-on solution) in cats and orally (tablets) in dogs, depending on regional approvals. Profender is approved for use in the US for cats and in Europe for both cats and dogs[4][5]. It is marketed for veterinary use only and targets infections with organisms such as Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Dipylidium caninum, and Taenia spp. The combination is well tolerated, with adverse events mainly mild and transient[1][7].

Other names

emodepside/praziquantelProfender spot-onProfender tablets