tapeworm help

Started noticing rice like worms dropping off my cat. Went to the vet and got a pill.. he took it like a champ. I'm wondering what to expect and how long this will take to clear up.. what other actions should I take to ensure mg cat other than de~fleaing. He is a indoor cat shares a house with a dog.. almost 8 months.. neutered and up to date on shots.

I have zero experience with tapeworms, but when I had a dog the vet recommended an flee and heart worm prevention rx. The cats and the dog were all on this even though the cats were indoor only. My ex kept the dog and I kept the cats so I no longer have them on the medication. I don't remember the name...maybe advantex or something like that. It was a liquid you put on their skin once a month.

Ask you vet about how to prevent future incidences.

ETA: This was about 5 years ago. 

Thank you. I cant wait for these ti pass. I treated both cat and dog to be safe.

The pill that your vet gave to your cat should start working immediately.  The fosters that I've had to give it to seemed to be totally cleared up within a day.  Just make sure your cat keeps eating and drinking normally and keep an eye out to see if you see any more tapeworm segments.  And make certain that you wash all of the bedding, vacuum your carpets/floors and clean out the litter box thoroughly to prevent any re-contamination.  I know how gross it is to see those little tapeworm segments, so I understand your impatience! 

Also, the medications such as Advantage, Revolution, etc don't treat or prevent tapeworm, however most tapeworm comes from the cat eating an infected flea when they're cleaning their fur so these medications do help with prevention in that regard. 

The tapeworm medication (pill) will work immediately. Tapeworm is the easiest to treat and one dose will do. Definitely keep your cat and your dog on a monthly flea treatment such as Frontline Plus. Revolution is good too but that contains a de-wormer and I feel if you are only needing to control fleas then the Frontline will suffice. If you cat is indoor only then it must be the dog bringing in the fleas. Cats that eat birds will also get tapeworm but that isn't an issue since your cat is indoor only.