Drontal vs Milbemax
A detailed comparison of Drontal and Milbemax for dogs. Which is the better choice? We compare ingredients, dosing, price, and side effects.
Drontal
Broad-spectrum worming tablet covering roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm. One of the most widely used worming products in the UK.
Milbemax
Broad-spectrum worming tablet covering roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, and lungworm prevention. Also prevents heartworm.
Save on Drontal or Milbemax at a UK pharmacy
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same prescription medications as your vet, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription, then fill it online.
Affiliate links to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Drontal | Milbemax |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Febantel + Pyrantel Embonate + Praziquantel | Milbemycin Oxime + Praziquantel |
| Form | Tablet | Tablet (small, film-coated) |
| Frequency | Every 3 months | Monthly (for lungworm) or every 3 months |
| Species | Dogs | Dogs |
| Price Range | £3–£8/dose | £3–£9/dose |
Key Differences
Lungworm
Milbemax prevents lungworm (Angiostrongylus) when given monthly; Drontal does not cover lungworm at all.
Prescription
Drontal is available OTC; Milbemax requires a vet prescription.
Tablet size
Milbemax tablets are much smaller and easier to administer.
Frequency for full protection
Both work quarterly for intestinal worms, but Milbemax should be monthly for lungworm.
UK recommendation
Vets increasingly recommend Milbemax due to rising lungworm cases in the UK.
Pros & Cons
Drontal
Pros
- Covers all common intestinal worms including tapeworm
- Available without prescription (NFA-VPS)
- Can be bought from pet shops and online
- Long safety track record — used for decades
Cons
- No lungworm coverage — a significant gap
- Larger tablet — harder for some dogs to swallow
- No heartworm prevention
- Must be given with food for best absorption
Milbemax
Pros
- Covers lungworm when given monthly — major advantage in the UK
- Also prevents heartworm (travel dogs)
- Small film-coated tablet — easy to give
- Covers all major intestinal worms
Cons
- Prescription only (POM-V)
- Needs monthly dosing for lungworm protection
- Slightly more expensive
- Not suitable for very young puppies under 2 weeks
Compare Prices & Save
Both Drontal and Milbemax may be cheaper from a licensed online retailer than from your vet. Ask for a written prescription and compare prices.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting, stopping, or switching your pet's medication. Prices shown are typical UK ranges and may vary by product size, weight band, and retailer.
Alternative options to consider
Retailers we earn a commission from. It costs you nothing and never changes what we show.
Wormers for Dogs
Drontal, Milbemax, Panacur and generic wormers for dogs. Dispensed by a UK registered pharmacy.
Pet Wormers at Pharmacy2U
Drontal, Milbemax and own-brand wormers dispensed by the UK's largest online pharmacy.
VetBox Flea & Worm Protection for Dogs
Vet-founded monthly parasite subscription. Flea, tick and worm protection delivered to your door. Founded by Dr Will Woodley, protecting 30,000+ pets.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.