PRAZIQUANTEL
Background and Date of Approval
Praziquantel is an anthelmintic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1982 for the treatment of Schistosoma infections.
Uses
Praziquantel is used to treat various parasitic infections caused by different types of worms, including tapeworms, flukes, and schistosomes.
How is it administered?
Take the Praziquantel as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Praziquantel are vertigo, drowsiness, anorexia, diarrhea, myalgia, malaise, and fever. Some serious side effects include severe skin reactions, sudden wheezing, difficulty in breathing or tightness in the chest, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, itching all over the body, reddening of the skin, or itchy red spots.
Warnings
Do not use this drug if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to it or any components in the medication. Individuals with cysticercosis of the eye should avoid this medication, as it can lead to severe eye damage during parasite destruction within the eye. Moreover, if you are currently using rifampicin, an antibiotic for tuberculosis treatment. In that case, it's important to refrain from taking Praziquantel concurrently, as rifampicin can reduce the levels of this drug in your body. Your physician may suggest alternative treatment options if any of these conditions or interactions apply to you.
Precautions
Notify your physician if you have any history of heart disease, including heart rhythm problems. This drug can affect the cardiovascular system, so close monitoring may be needed during treatment to minimize potential cardiac effects. For individuals with liver problems, epilepsy, and prone to worm infections of the brain(neurocysticercosis), it is essential to inform your physician as this condition may require specialized treatment and monitoring. Praziquantel is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor for more advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Word of Advice
Diarrhoea can result in dehydration and fluid loss. When taking Praziquantel, it is important to consume adequate fluids, including water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths to manage diarrhoea. Maintaining proper hydration replaces lost fluids and electrolytes and aids the body's recovery.
References
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Jan 2019] [Accessed on 6th Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/018714s018lbl.pdf Patient information leaflet - WHO/OMS extranet systems. [ Revised on April 2020] [Accessed on 6th Sep 2023], https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/sites/default/files/NT004part3.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anthelmintic drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 855. Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of helminth infections, 12th edition, 2011, 1456-1458.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common uses of Praziquantel?
Praziquantel is primarily used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms, such as schistosomiasis, liver fluke infections, and tapeworm infections.
Who should not take Praziquantel?
Praziquantel should not be taken if you are allergic to praziquantel or any of its ingredients, have cysticercosis of the eye, or are taking rifampicin (an antibiotic for tuberculosis). Rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of this drug.
Can Praziquantel be used in children and adults?
Praziquantel is suitable for both children and adults, but the dosage may vary based on age, weight, and the type of parasitic infection.
How is Praziquantel administered?
Praziquantel is taken orally in tablet form. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific type of parasitic infection being treated and your physician's instructions.
What precautions should be taken when using Praziquantel?
Inform your physician if you have liver problems, heart disease, a history of epilepsy, or brain worm infections before taking Praziquantel. Special care may be needed in these situations.