Praziquantel
Pronouncation: (pray-zih-KWAHN-tuhl)Class: Antihelminthic
Trade Names:
Biltricide
- Tablets 600 mg
Pharmacology
Feedback for Praziquantel
|
Increases cell membrane permeability in susceptible worms, resulting in loss of intracellular calcium, massive contractions, and paralysis of their musculature. Phagocytes are thus able to attach to worms, causing their death.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed (80%). T max is 1 to 3 h.
Distribution
CSF levels are 14% to 20% of plasma concentration. Appears in breast milk. Protein binding is 80% to 85%.
Metabolism
Extensive first-pass metabolism, rapidly metabolized to inactive mono- and polyhydroxylated derivatives.
Elimination
Urine (as metabolites), small amounts in feces. Serum t ½ is 0.8 to 1.5 h.
Special Populations
Hepatic Function ImpairmentModerate to severe; plasma concentration were significantly elevated in one study.
Indications and Usage
Infections caused by Schistosoma mekongi , S. japonicum , S. mansoni , S. hematobium , liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis , and Opisthorchis viverrini .
Unlabeled Uses
Treatment of neurocysticercosis, tissue flukes (opisthorchis, felineus, Paragonimus westermani , Fasciola hepatica ), intestinal flukes ( Heterophyes heterophyes , Fascilopsis buski ), and intestinal cestodes ( Diphyllobothrium latum , Taenia saginata , T. solium , Dipylidium caninum , Hymenolepsis nana ), and schistosomiasis (in concurrent use with oxamniquine).
Contraindications
Ocular cysticercosis.
Dosage and Administration
SchistosomiasisAdults and Children older than 4 yr of age
PO 60 mg/kg in 3 equally divided doses every 4 to 6 h for 1 day.
Clonorchiasis and OpisthorchiasisAdults
PO 75 mg/kg in 3 equally divided doses every 4 to 6 h for 1 day.
General Advice
- Administer tablets during meals with liquids.
- Instruct patient not to chew tablets.
Storage/Stability
Store at room temperature.
Drug Interactions
CimetidinePlasma levels of praziquantel may be elevated, increasing the pharmacologic and adverse effects.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CNS
Malaise; headache; fever; drowsiness; dizziness.
Dermatologic
Urticaria.
GI
Abdominal discomfort, with or without nausea.
Hepatic
Increased liver enzymes.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category B .
Lactation
Excreted in breast milk. Lactating women should avoid breastfeeding on day of treatment and for subsequent 72 h.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 4 yr of age.
Patient Information
- Explain that treatment lasts only 1 day for most parasitic infections.
- Instruct patient to take drug with liquids during meals and not to chew tablets.
- Advise patient to have all family members examined for infestation.
- Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: malaise, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, urticaria, or fever.
- Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
| Link to this page | ![]() |
Printable Version | ![]() |
Email Page | ![]() |
Add to my drug list |
More Praziquantel resources:
Praziquantel - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
Praziquantel Drug Interactions
Fasciolopsis buski (Intestinal Fluke), Dog Tapeworm, Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Cysticercus cellulosae (Cysticercosis), Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf Tapeworm), Echinococcus Infection, Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Heterophyes heterophyes (Intestinal Fluke), Metagonimus yokogawai (Intestinal Fluke), Fish Tapeworm, Paragonimus westermani (Lung Fluke), Opisthorchis viverrini (Liver Fluke), Schistosoma haematobium, Clornorchis sinensis (Liver Fluke), Schistosoma mansoni, Naophyetus salmincola, Schistosoma mekongi, Schistosoma japonicum













