Praziquantel
Description
Praziquantel is an anti-worm medication. It is used in the treatment of worm infections such as Schistosoma infection (worms that live in the blood) and liver fluke (worms that live in the liver). This medicine works by paralyzing the worms' muscles and kills them.
Praziquantel shows common side effects like stomach pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc. These side effects normally subside by themselves but consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Avoid driving and operating heavy machines while taking this medicine as it causes dizziness.
Praziquantel can be taken with a meal or as instructed by your doctor. The dosage and duration of this medication will be decided by your doctor. Complete course of treatment, as prescribed. If the symptoms continue to bother you, consult your doctor. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Praziquantel should not be used if you are allergic to it or if you have ocular cysticercosis (tapeworm forming cysts in the eyes). Use this medicine with caution if you have a history of seizures or heart, kidney, or liver diseases.
Praziquantel is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age as the safety and efficacy data is not established. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding your baby for 3 days after taking Praziquantel.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Praziquantel
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Itching or rash
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Convulsions
- Irregular heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Increased sweating
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Headache
- Fever with chills
- Vertigo (Sudden spinning sensation in head)
Uses of Praziquantel
What is it prescribed for?
- Worm infections
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionIt is not known when Praziquantel will start its action after administration.
- Duration of effectPraziquantel may remain in your body for 6 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Praziquantel.
- Usage in pregnancy?Praziquantel is recommended for pregnant women only if necessary. Hence, the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Limited data suggest that Praziquantel passes into the breastmilk in low concentration. This medicine is recommended in breastfeeding women only if necessary, hence consult your doctor. Avoid breastfeeding on the day of taking the medicine and for 72 hours after taking Praziquantel.
Allergy
Avoid using Praziquantel if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if there is a history of allergy to this medication. If you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially on the face, lips throat, etc.) inform your doctor and seek medical attention immediately.
Ocular cysticercosis
Ocular cysticercosis is an eye infection caused by a type of worm (cestode Taenia solium). Avoid using Praziquantel as it may lead to the destruction of worms and also cause permanent scars in the eye.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Praziquantel is recommended for pregnant women only if necessary. Hence, the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Limited data suggest that Praziquantel passes into the breastmilk in low concentration. This medicine is recommended in breastfeeding women only if necessary, hence consult your doctor. Avoid breastfeeding on the day of taking the medicine and for 72 hours after taking Praziquantel.
General warnings
Central nervous system
Praziquantel may affect your central nervous system and worsen your disease condition. Avoid taking this medicine if you have a history of seizures or any other medical condition that affects the brain and central nervous system. Inform your doctor about all your health issues before you take this medicine.
Use in children
Avoid using Praziquantel in children below 4 years of age as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Driving or operating machines
Avoid driving a vehicle and operating a heavy machine on the day of taking Praziquantel and the next day, as it may affect your normal functioning.
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Cardiac Arrhythmias refers to an irregular heartbeat when the electrical impulses do not work properly to coordinate a heartbeat. Use Praziquantel with caution if you have cardiac arrhythmia as this medicine may cause slow heartbeat or irregular heart rhythm. Your doctor will closely monitor your heart function while you take this medicine.
Missed Dose
Try not to skip the dose of Praziquantel. In case you missed a dose take it immediately as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the dose. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Oxcarbazepine
Rifampicin
Dexamethasone
Fosphenytoin
Disease interactions
Liver Disease
Use Praziquantel with caution in case of moderate to severe liver problems as it may reduce the absorption of Praziquantel. This may lead to increased levels of this medicine in your blood for a longer time. Dose adjustment and close monitoring of your liver function may be necessary.
Kidney Disease
Praziquantel is mainly excreted through your kidneys. There might be a delay in the excretion of this medicine if you have any medical condition that damage your kidneys. However, the incidence of kidney toxicity is not known. Use this tablet with caution if you have kidney problems.
Food interactions
Avoid taking Praziquantel with grapefruit juice as it increases the absorption and concentration of this medicine in your blood. This may lead to an increase in the side effects such as dizziness, stomach discomfort, and nausea.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Praziquantel with a meal or as instructed by your doctor. Do not chew the tablet as the bitterness of the medicine may lead to vomiting. Avoid taking more than a recommended dose.
Ensure that proper hygiene measures are adopted to prevent the recurrence and spread of the infection.
Avoid taking grape juice as it interacts with Praziquantel and increases the level of this medicine in your body leading to an increase in the side effects.
Avoid driving and operating heavy machines during the treatment and for 24 hours after your last dose as this medicine may impair your mental alertness.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Praziquantel works by paralyzing the worms' muscles and kills them.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anthelmintics
Schedule
Schedule H
Praziquantel - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Praziquantel: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - praziquantel tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 13 June 2017]. Available from:
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 11 Oct 2021
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