Praziquantel is an anthelmintic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in 1982 for treating Schistosoma infections.

Praziquantel is used to treat various parasitic infections caused by different types of worms, including tapeworms, flukes, and schistosomes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fluid loss. It's necessary to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths when using Praziquantel to address diarrhea. Proper hydration helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes and supports the body's recovery.

1. 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
2. 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
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anthelmintic drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 855.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of helminth infections, 12th edition, 2011, 1456-1458.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.