Weight loss after Pyrantel in cats

The FDA has received 28 reports of weight loss in cats after Pyrantel. That is 5.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all cat medicines.

28Reports

57%Marked serious

14%Recovered

25%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

4 17%

1–2 days

4 17%

3–7 days

3 13%

1–4 weeks

6 26%

Over a month

6 26%

How the animals did

Recovered

4 14%

Still unwell when reported

9 32%

Died

5 18%

Euthanised

2 7.1%

Not known

8 29%

Problems reported at the same time

16 57%

16 57%

14 50%

7 25%

7 25%

7 25%

6 21%

5 18%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Pyrantel treats roundworms and hookworms.

Questions owners ask

Can Pyrantel cause weight loss in cats?: 28 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 8 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Weight loss with similar medicines

Weight loss after Emodepside + Praziquantel (Profender) 144 reports · 2.5% of its reports
Weight loss after Praziquantel 44 reports · 2.6% of its reports
Weight loss after Praziquantel + Pyrantel 35 reports · 2.8% of its reports

All reported side effects of Pyrantel in cats · Medicines most reported with weight loss