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| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical (spot-on) | 1 ml/kg | once | Nematodes (incl. oxyurids) | Weak | Tang 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. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.225 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Levamisole(Levasole, Tramisol)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 10 mg/kg | not stated in source | Nematode (roundworm) infection | Strong | Corum 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 — SOURCE TYPE: this citation is a PHARMACOKINETIC study, by its own title ("Pharmacokinetics of levamisole in the red-eared slider turtles"), not a therapeutic efficacy trial. The served figure is a disposition dose. — PRINTED DETAIL MISSING FROM THIS RULE (retrieved 2026-08-19): 10 mg/kg SC, IM63 | Chelonians (red-eared sliders)/PK; no local or systemic adverse effect was observed following administration in nine turtles; entirely absorbed — Carpenter's 6th ed, Table 4.4 Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles, corpus p.227; missing caution on same row: "very narrow range of safety … avoid use in debilitated animals" |
Praziquantel(Droncit)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, SC, IM | 8–10 mg/kg | repeat in 14 days | Cestodes, trematodes | Weak | Rockwell 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. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.230 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530 |
Pyrantel Pamoate(Strongid-T, Nemex)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5 mg/kg | repeat in 14 days | Nematodes | Weak | Klingenberg RJ. Understanding Reptile Parasites, Advanced Vivarium Systems, Irvine, CA; 2007:1-200. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.231 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Other conditions in Red-eared Sliders
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.