Prescribing overview
Profender is a feline skin-applied dewormer; oral administration is inappropriate.
Key prescribing checks
- The label requires cats to meet minimum age and weight requirements; select the correct package.
- Prevent oral exposure and follow the label’s handling and grooming precautions.
- Parasite diagnosis, reinfection risks and preventive care still need consideration after deworming.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Cats ≥8 weeks and ≥2.2 lb (1 kg)
FDA-approved veterinary labelToxocara cati, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis infections
Roundworm/hookworm immature-stage claims vary; consult full label.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Combines the depsipeptide emodepside and cestocide praziquantel.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
The reviewed label does not characterize species-specific absorption/elimination numerically.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Profender
U.S. feline topical solution.
Contraindications · when not to use
A formal contraindication list is not established in the reviewed source for this scope. This does not establish safety; confirm the exact product and full labeling.
Precautions & monitoring
- Application restrictions: do not apply to broken skin or wet hair; avoid the mouth and eyes and prevent licking of the treated site.
- Safety below eight weeks or 2.2 pounds, or during breeding, pregnancy or lactation is unestablished. Caution in sick/debilitated or heartworm-positive cats; prevent oral exposure. Human handlers must avoid wet sites; pregnancy-related exposure precautions apply.
Reviewed U.S. label does not supply a formal contraindications section; application prohibitions and precautions are distinguished here. This does not establish that no contraindications exist.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Grooming, site scratching, salivation, lethargy and vomiting were reported.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| Cats ≥8 weeks and ≥2.2 lbLabeled roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm infectionsProfender 1.98% emodepside/7.94% praziquantel topical solution | Minimum 3 mg/kg emodepside + 12 mg/kg praziquantel; 2.2–5.5 lb: 0.35 mL; >5.5–11 lb: 0.70 mL; >11–17.6 lb: 1.12 mL Topical skin at base of head · Single application One treatment; reinfection may be treated after 30 days | Above 17.6 lb use appropriate tube combination; apply entire contents to dry, intact skin. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Prevent licking for one hour; separate pets.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
A product-specific interaction summary has not been established here. An empty list must not be interpreted as “no interactions.” Review the full source and a species-appropriate clinical reference.
Monitoring
Reassess reinfection or persistent parasites.
Client counseling
Children must avoid application site for 24 hours; wash hands.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Store ≤25°C; protect from freezing.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Emodepside · Praziquantel
Profender contains two active ingredients, so both belong in the medication identity.
This entry covers the U.S. feline topical product. Products in other countries may have different presentations or labeled parasite coverage.
Do not confuse topical administration with an oral dewormer or interchange with a different praziquantel combination.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Profender
- Formulation
- U.S. topical solution for cats
- Label / product scope
- Cats
Prescription product; feline package and application restrictions apply.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.