Praziquantel: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Praziquantel What Drug?

What is praziquantel for?

Praziquantel is a drug used to treat certain parasitic infections (for example, Schistosoma and liverworm). Curing parasitic infections helps to improve health and quality of life. Praziquantel belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. It works by killing parasites. This drug also paralyzes parasites, causing them to break off the walls of blood vessels so that the body can eliminate them naturally.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This medication can also be used to treat other parasitic infections (for example, tapeworms, intestines and lung worms).

How is praziquantel used?

Take this medication or with food, usually 3 times a day (4 to 6 hours apart) for 1 day or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet quickly or segment the tablet with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not chew or inhale the tablet as praziquantel has a bitter taste and can cause choking or vomiting. Your doctor may recommend that you take this medicine less than 3 times a day or more than 1 day. Follow it according to the doctor's advice.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, body weight, and response to treatment. Printed tablet with lines. You may need to cut the tablets to get the correct dosage. Ask your pharmacist for how to cut the tablets to get the right dosage.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medicine unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

How is praziquantel stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Praziquantel dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of praziquantel for adults?

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Japonicum

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Mekongi

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Haematobium

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day orally divided into 1 to 2 doses.

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Mansoni

60 mg / kg / day taken directly divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day taken directly divided into 1 to 2 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Opisthorchis Viverrini (Liver Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage for Adults with Clonorchis Sinensis (Liver Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage for Adults with Fasciolopsis Buski (Intestinal Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Heterophyes (Intestinal Flukes)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Metagonimus Yokogawai (Intestinal Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Nanophyetus Salmincola

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Paragonimus Westermani (Lung Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 2 days

Case Report (n = 1)

75 mg / kg / day for 3 days

Normal Dose for Adults with Diphyllobothrium Latum (Fish Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Dipylidium Caninum (Dog Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Taenia Saginata (Beef Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Taenia Solium (Pig Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Hymenolepis Nana (Dwarf Tapeworm)

25 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Cellulosae (Cysticercosis)

50 mg / kg / day orally

Duration of therapy: 15 days

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Japonicum

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Mekongi

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 2 or 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Haematobium

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day orally divided into 1 to 2 doses.

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Schistosoma Mansoni

60 mg / kg / day taken directly divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day taken directly divided into 1 to 2 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Opisthorchis Viverrini (Liver Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage for Adults with Clonorchis Sinensis (Liver Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage for Adults with Fasciolopsis Buski (Intestinal Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal dosage for adults with heterophyes (intestinal flukes)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Metagonimus Yokogawai (Intestinal Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Nanophyetus Salmincola

60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage for Adults with Paragonimus Westermani (Lung Fluke)

75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 2 days

Case Report (n = 1)

75 mg / kg / day for 3 days

Normal Dose for Adults with Diphyllobothrium Latum (Fish Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Dipylidium Caninum (Dog Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Taenia Saginata (Beef Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Taenia Solium (Pig Tapeworm)

5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Hymenolepis Nana (Dwarf Tapeworm)

25 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage for Adults with Cellulosae (Cysticercosis)

50 mg / kg / day orally

Duration of therapy: 15 days

What is the dose of praziquantel for children?

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Schistosoma Japonicum

Age 4 years or more: 60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Schistosoma Mekongi

Age 4 years or more: 60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Haematobium Schistosoma

Age 4 years or more: 60 mg / kg / day taken orally divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day taken immediately in 2 divided doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Schistosoma Mansoni

Age 4 years or more: 60 mg / kg / day taken orally divided into 3 doses or 40 mg / kg / day taken immediately divided into 2 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Opisthorchis Viverrini (Liver Fluke)

Age 4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Clornorchis Sinensis (Liver Fluke)

Age 4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 to 2 days

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Fasciolopsis Buski (Intestinal Fluke)

4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally in 3 divided doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Heterophyes (Intestinal Fluke)

Age 4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Metagonimus Yokogawai (Intestinal Fluke)

Age 4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Nanophyetus Salmincola

Age 4 years or more: 60 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 1 day

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Paragonimus Westermani (Lung Fluke)

Age 4 years or more: 75 mg / kg / day orally divided into 3 doses

Duration of therapy: 2 days

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Diphyllobothrium Latum (Fish Tapeworm)

Age 4 years or older: 5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Dipylidium Caninum (Dog Tapeworm)

Age 4 years or older: 5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Taenia Saginata (Tapeworms)

Age 4 years or older: 5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Taenia Solium (Tapeworm)

Age 4 years or older: 5 to 10 mg / kg orally once

Normal Dosage of Praziquantel for Children with Hymenolepis Nana (Dwarf Tapeworm)

Age 4 years or older: 25 mg / kg orally once

Normal dosage of Praziquantel for children with cysticercus cellulosae (cysticercosis)

Age 4 years or older: 50 mg / kg / day orally

Duration of therapy: 15 days

In what dosage is praziquantel available?

Tablet. Drink directly: 600 mg

Praziquantel side effects

What side effects can be experienced with praziquantel?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• tired feeling
• headache, dizziness
• nausea, stomach pain
• low-grade fever
• mild skin rash

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Praziquantel Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using praziquantel?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully

Children

The studies conducted to date have not demonstrated a specific problem regarding the use of Praziquantel that would limit its use in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been determined in children younger than 4 years of age.

Elderly

The studies conducted to date have not demonstrated a specific problem regarding the use of Praziquantel that will limit its usefulness in the elderly. However, elderly patients are at increased risk for age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving praziquantel.

Is praziquantel safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions Praziquantel

What medicines may interact with praziquantel?

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Carbamazepine
• Dexamethasone
• Fosphenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them

• Chloroquine
• Ketoconazole

Can food or alcohol interact with praziquantel?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with praziquantel?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• heart disease
• heart rhythm problems - patients with this condition should be monitored during treatment with this medicine
• Kidney illness
• liver disease, moderate to severe - use with caution. The effect may increase due to slower removal of the drug from the body
• seizures, or a history
• worm cyst in the eye - should not be used in patients with this condition
• worm cysts in the brain - your doctor may have you hospitalized to treat this infection.

Praziquantel overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.