FENBENDAZOLE

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: PANACUR

AVAILABLE IN
ORAL SUSPENSION
AND GRANULES

BACKGROUND

The care of animals has always included the management of internal parasites. As technology has progressed, the medications developed have become more and more broad in the spectrum of parasites they can eradicate. Fenbendazole is a member of the benzimidizole group of anti-parasite medications which makes it a relatively broad spectrum product.

HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED

Fenbendazole (often abbreviated “FBZ”) is used in both large and small animals. In dogs, it is useful against roundworms, hookworms, and the more difficult to treat whipworms. It is effective against the Taenia species of tapeworm but not against the Common tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. It is also effective against Giardia (an intestinal protozoan which causes diarrhea) as well as several species of lungworm and even some flukes.

When a pet has a chronic diarrhea and a cause cannot be found through testing, it is common to have the animal take fenbendazole for several days in a row as a general broad spectrum dewormer with the idea that most parasites of significance will be removed by such treatment even if they have escaped detection by testing.

Fenbendazole is considered safe for use in pregnancy.

SIDE EFFECTS

Some animals experience vomiting/nausea after deworming.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

There are no significant drug interactions in small animal use.

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

Fenbendazole is considered safe for use in pregnancy in all species.

Treatment is necessary for 3-5 consecutive days for most parasites. Treatment may require a second course depending on which parasite is being treated.

If a treatment is skipped, inform your veterinarian as the treatment course may need to be repeated. This goes especially for accidental omission of the follow up course.

It is best to give fenbendazole with food for best absorption into the body.

Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law")

Page last updated: 2/20/2016
Page last reviewed: 11/8/2024