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Endoparasites in Red-eared Sliders

Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg

4 cited drugs treat Endoparasites in red-eared sliders: Emodepside-Praziquantel Topical, Levamisole, Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate.

Gastrointestinal helminth and protozoal infections. Macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles, and pyrantel cover the bulk of nematode treatment; protozoal indications require dedicated drugs (metronidazole, sulfadimethoxine).

The overview above describes Endoparasites across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to red-eared sliders — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Emodepside-Praziquantel Topical(Profender)

Antiparasitic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
Topical (spot-on)1 ml/kgonceNematodes (incl. oxyurids)WeakTang PK, Blake D, Hedley J, et al. Efficacy of a topical formulation containing emodepside and praziquantel (Profender, Bayer) against nematodes in captive tortoises. J Herp Med Surg. 2017;27:116-122. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.225 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Levamisole(Levasole, Tramisol)

Antiparasitic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
SC10 mg/kgnot stated in sourceNematode (roundworm) infectionStrongCorum O, Durna Corum D, Atik O, Altan F, Er A, Uney K. Pharmacokinetics of levamisole in the red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2019;42(6):654-659. doi:10.1111/jvp.12763 https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/30933367

Praziquantel(Droncit)

Antiparasitic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO, SC, IM8–10 mg/kgrepeat in 14 daysCestodes, trematodesWeakRockwell K, Mitchell MM. Antiparasitic therapy. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1165-1170. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.230 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Pyrantel Pamoate(Strongid-T, Nemex)

Antiparasitic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO5 mg/kgrepeat in 14 daysNematodesWeakKlingenberg RJ. Understanding Reptile Parasites, Advanced Vivarium Systems, Irvine, CA; 2007:1-200. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.231 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Endoparasites in Red-eared Sliders: 4 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx