Pranziquantel is a drug to treat worm infections Schistosoma sp. (blood worm) and Fasciola hepatica (heartworm). This drug is available in tablet form and should only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Praziquantel works by immobilizing the worms and expelling them naturally through the feces. Worm infections, such as schistosomiasis and clonorchiasis, are common as a result of exposure to these worms while swimming or consuming animals from contaminated waters. The worms will attack the intestines or liver.
Praziquantel trademark:Biltricide.
What is Praziquantel?
| group | Anthelmintic (antiworm) |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming worm infection Schistosoma sp. and Fasciola hepatica. |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged 4 years and over |
| Praziquantel for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor first before taking praziquantel during pregnancy. Praziquantel may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Using Praziquantel
- Do not take praziquantel if you have a history of allergies to praziquantel or any of its ingredients.
- Please be careful if you have ocular cysticercosis (parasitic infection of the eye) before taking praziquantel.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or spleen disease, kidney and heart rhythm disorders, seizures, and cerebral cysticercosis (a parasitic infection of the brain).
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking praziquantel because it can worsen the side effect of drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking the antibiotic rifampin. Praziquantel should not be used with this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies to adjust your praziquantel dose accordingly.
- Praziquantel may affect the content of breast milk. Do not breastfeed your baby directly for up to 3 days after taking this medicine.
- Praziquantel may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medicine.
- In case of an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Praziquantel
The doctor will adjust the praziquantel dose according to the patient's condition. Generally, the dose of the drug given is 20-60 mg/kgBW, 1-3 times a day. Administration of this drug is only done 1 day. The interval between doses is at least 4-6 hours.
Praziquantel is usually not recommended for children under 1 year of age, and the dose of praziquantel for children will be adjusted according to the condition.
How to Take Praziquantelcorrectly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the praziquantel package before taking it. Praziquantel is taken with meals, 4-6 hours apart or as directed by a doctor. Swallow the tablet directly with a glass of water.
Take praziquantel according to the dose given by the doctor even though you feel better. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting first because it has the potential to trigger the infection to come back again.
In certain cases, the doctor may advise you to divide the tablets according to the patient's weight and condition. Make sure you cut the tablet to size for optimal benefit.
If you forget to take praziquantel, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Avoid eating or drinking juice grapefruit while taking praziquantel, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Praziquantel Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the interactions that may occur when taking praziquantel with certain medicines:
- Increased risk of fatal side effects when used with rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or dexamethasone.
- Increased risk of side effects of praziquantel when used with cimetidine, chloroquine, erythromycin, ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Praziquantel Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using praziquantel are:
- Drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue.
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- No appetite.
- Body aches.
- Excessive sweating.
- Headache.
These side effects should be mild and temporary. If the side effects do not improve, consult a doctor. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience severe side effects, such as:
- Fever.
- seizures.
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
- There is blood in the stool.
- Allergic drug reactions, such as rash, hives, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
