What is Epsiprantel used for?

Epsiprantel is indicated for: Tapeworm (Dipylidium, Taenia).

Which species have cited Epsiprantel dosing data?

Epsiprantel dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Epsiprantel a controlled substance?

Epsiprantel is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What are the side effects of Epsiprantel?

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Epsiprantel: Well tolerated. Minimal side effects. Does not require fasting. Less effective against Echinococcus than praziquantel.

How does Epsiprantel work?

Causes tegumental damage and paralysis in cestodes (tapeworms). Alternative to praziquantel for Dipylidium and Taenia species.

Epsiprantel

US brand names:Cestex

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Epsiprantel is dosed at 5.5 mg/kg PO Single dose in dogs, per Cestex - epsiprantel tablet, film coated [US product label]. Kalamazoo, MI: Zoetis Inc.; 2019. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3e3b495a-d45f-4499-97e8-3ea244e0f490 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.497 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Antiparasitic

Routes

Indications

Tapeworm (Dipylidium, Taenia)

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Well tolerated. Minimal side effects. Does not require fasting. Less effective against Echinococcus than praziquantel.

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

· Cestex - epsiprantel tablet, film coated [US product label]. Kalamazoo, MI: Zoetis Inc.; 2019. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3e3b495a-d45f-4499-97e8-3ea244e0f490 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.497 (2026-08-01).

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	5.5 mg/kg	Single dose	Strong	Cestex - epsiprantel tablet, film coated [US product label]. Kalamazoo, MI: Zoetis Inc.; 2019. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3e3b495a-d45f-4499-97e8-3ea244e0f490 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.497 (2026-08-01).
Cat (Domestic)	PO	2.75 mg/kg	Single dose	Strong	Cestex - epsiprantel tablet, film coated [US product label]. Kalamazoo, MI: Zoetis Inc.; 2019. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3e3b495a-d45f-4499-97e8-3ea244e0f490 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.497 (2026-08-01).

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.

View Plans