Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs

Febantel, Praziquantel, Pyrantel Embonate

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: tablet. Distribution category: AVM-GSL (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Febantel, Praziquantel, Pyrantel Embonate.1

In short: questions and answers

Does Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs need a prescription?
Over the counter. As stated in the registration decision.1
Which animals is Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs for?
Dogs.1
What is the active substance in Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs?
Febantel, Praziquantel, Pyrantel Embonate. ATCvet code: QP52AC55.13
What is the withdrawal period of Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs according to the leaflet?
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Dispensing
Over the counter1

AVM-GSL: Authorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sale List. No prescription is needed and it may be sold by any retailer.12

Supplied without a prescription. As stated in the registration decision.

Animal species
Dogs1
Active substance
Febantel, Praziquantel, Pyrantel Embonate
ATCvet code
QP52AC553
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto

Withdrawal period

No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3

Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Each tablet contains:

Active substances:

Praziquantel 50 mg

Pyrantel embonate 144 mg

Febantel 150 mg

Excipients:

Qualitative composition of excipients and other constituents
Lactose monohydrate
Maize starch
Povidone K30
Sodium laurilsulfate
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
Magnesium stearate (E572)
Meat flavour

Yellow coloured, round, biconvex tablets with visible darker spots, cross-scored on one side.

The tablets can be divided into halves or quarters.

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Pharmacological properties

4.1 ATCvet code: QP52AC55

4.2 Pharmacodynamics

The veterinary medicinal product contains anthelmintics active against roundworms and tapeworms. The veterinary medicinal product contains three active substances: febantel, pyrantel embonate (pamoate) and praziquantel, a partially hydrogenated pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative used widely as an anthelmintic for both human and veterinary use. Pyrantel acts as a cholinergic agonist. Its mode of action is to stimulate nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the parasite, induce spastic paralysis and thereby allow removal from the gastro-intestinal (GI) system by peristalsis.

With the mammalian system febantel undergoes ring closure forming fenbendazole and oxfendazole. It is these chemical entities which exert the anthelmintic effect by inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Formation of microtubules is thereby prevented, resulting in disruption to structures vital to the normal functioning of the helminth. Glucose uptake, in particular, is affected, leading to depletion in cell ATP. The parasite dies upon exhaustion of its energy reserves, which occurs 2 – 3 days later. Praziquantel is very rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the parasite. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that praziquantel causes severe damage to the parasite integument, resulting in contraction and paralysis. There is an almost instantaneous tetanic contraction of the parasite musculature and a rapid vacuolisation of the syncytial tegument. This rapid contraction has been explained by changes in divalent cation fluxes, especially calcium.

In this fixed combination veterinary medicinal product pyrantel and febantel act synergistically against nematodes (ascarids and hookworms) in dogs. In particular, the activity spectrum covers Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma caninum. The spectrum of activity of praziquntel covers also cestode species in dogs, in particular all Taenia spp. and Dipylidium caninum. Praziquantel acts against adult and immature forms of these parasites.

4.3 Pharmacokinetics

Perorally administered praziquantel is absorbed almost completely from the intestinal tract. After absorption, the drug is distributed to all organs. Praziquantel is metabolized into inactive forms in the liver and secreted in bile. It is excreted within 24 hours to more than 95% of the administered dosage. Only traces of non-metabolised praziquantel are excreted.

The pamoate salt of pyrantel has low aqueous solubility, an attribute that reduces absorption from the gut and allows the drug to reach and be effective against parasites in the large intestine. Because of the low systemic absorption of pyrantel pamoate, there is very little danger of adverse reactions/toxicity in the host. Following absorption, pyrantel pamoate is quickly and almost completely metabolized into inactive metabolites that are excreted rapidly in the urine.

Febantel is absorbed relatively rapidly and metabolized to a number of metabolites including fenbendazole and oxfendazole, which have anthelmintic activity.

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Target species

Dogs (small and medium size)

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Indications

For the treatment of mixed infestations with the following roundworms and tapeworms in adult dogs and puppies:

Nematodes

Ascarids: Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina (late immature forms and mature forms)

Hookworms: Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma caninum (adults)

Cestodes

Tapeworms: Taenia spp., Dipylidium caninum

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Dosage

For oral administration.

It is important to follow the treatment recommendations as presented here. Do not deviate from the recommendations without the advice of your veterinary surgeon.

Dosage

The recommended dose rates are: 15 mg/kg bodyweight febantel, 14.4 mg/kg pyrantel and 5 mg/kg praziquantel. This is equivalent to 1 tablet per 10 kg bodyweight. Tablets may be halved/quartered to allow accuracy of dosing.

Body weightTablets
Over 2 kg up to 2.5 kg¼ tablet
Over 2.5 kg up to 5 kg½ tablet
Over 5 kg up to 7.5 kg¾ tablet
Over 7.5 kg up to 10 kg1 tablet
Over 10 kg up to 15 kg1 ½ tablets
Over 15 kg up to 20 kg2 tablets
Over 20 kg up to 25 kg2 ½ tablets
Over 25 kg up to 30 kg3 tablets
Over 30 kg up to 35 kg3 ½ tablets
Over 35 kg up to 40 kg4 tablets

Administration and Duration of Treatment

The tablet(s) can be given directly to the dog or disguised in food. No restriction of access to food is required either before or after administration of the veterinary medicinal product.

To ensure administration of a correct dose, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible.

Puppies may be wormed with this veterinary medicinal product from 2 weeks of age and every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Thereafter they should be treated at 3 monthly intervals until 6 months of age. It is advisable to treat the bitch at the same time as the puppies.

For the control of Toxocara, nursing bitches should be dosed 2 weeks after giving birth and every 2 weeks until weaning.

For adult dogs, a single dose should be used. The advice of a veterinarian should be sought regarding the need for and frequency of repeat treatment.

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Contraindications

Do not use simultaneously with piperazine compounds.

Do not use in bitches during the first two-thirds of pregnancy.

Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Do not use in dogs younger than 2 weeks of age and/or weighing less than 2 kg.

Do not use simultaneously with other deworming veterinary medicinal products without veterinary advice.

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Adverse reactions

Dogs:

Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): Loose stool*, Diarrhoea*, Vomiting*

*Transient.

Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.

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Warnings

Special precautions for safe use in the target species:

Any part-used tablets should be discarded.

Do not exceed the stated dose, especially when treating pregnant bitches.

In dogs less than 6 weeks old, tapeworm infections are highly uncommon. Treatment of animals less than 6 weeks old with a fixed combination veterinary medicinal product against cestodes and nematodes may, therefore, not be necessary.

To minimise the risk of reinfestation and new infestation, any excreta with 24 hours following treatment should be collected and properly disposed of.

Special precautions for the protection of the environment:

Not applicable.

3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance

Not applicable

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Pregnancy:

Do not use in bitches during the first two-thirds of pregnancy.

Consult a veterinary surgeon before treating pregnant animals for roundworms.

Lactation:

The veterinary medicinal product may be used during lactation (see Section 3.9).

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Interactions

Do not combine with piperazine as the anthelmintic effects of pyrantel and piperazine (used in many worming veterinary medicinal products for dogs) may be antagonized. Concurrent use with other cholinergic compounds can lead to toxicity.

Simultaneous administration of compounds that inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase - AChE (e.g.organophosphates) may increase systemic effects of pyrantel.

Plasma concentrations of praziquantel may be decreased by concomitant administration with drugs that increase the activity of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (e.g. dexamethasone, phenobarbital).

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Overdose

Benzimidazoles possess wide safety margin. Pyrantel is not absorbed systematically to any extent. Praziquantel also has a wide safety margin, of up to five times the recommended dose.

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Special warnings

Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for one common type of tapeworm – Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworm infestation is certain to re-occur unless control of intermediate hosts such as fleas, mice etc. is undertaken.

Dogs may become infected with worms by eating insects (including fleas and lice), birds, small rodents, rabbits or raw offal from affected sheep, goats and cattle. Dogs will continue to be re-infected unless the route of infection is controlled e.g. treating a flea infestation or preventing a dog from scavenging or hunting.

Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class.

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Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

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Special precautions for the person administering

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

In the interests of good hygiene, persons administering the tablet directly to a dog or by adding it to the dog's food, should wash their hands afterwards.

In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

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Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

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Immediate packaging

Blister packs consisting of cold-formed OPA/Al/PVC foil and aluminium foil.

Pack sizes:

Carton containing 2 tablets (1 blister pack with 2 tablets).

Carton containing 4 tablets (2 blister packs with 2 tablets each).

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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Storage

This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Any unused divided tablet should be discarded.

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Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years. Shelf life of divided tablets after first opening the immediate packaging: use immediately.

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Disposal of unused product

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater.

Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.

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Additional information

Vm 01656/4152

8 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

23 July 2019

9 DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE SUMMARY OF THE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

May 2026

10 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS

Veterinary medicinal product not subject to prescription.

Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.

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Registration holder

KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto

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Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs, 01656/4152 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: Pet Shield Worm Screen 50 mg/144 mg/150 mg Tablets Dogs UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

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