Praziquantel (Biltricide)

Category:

  • Miscellaneous

Description:

  • Anthelmintic

Indications:

  • Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma spp. pathogenic to humans

  • Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis (liver flukes)

  • Cysticercosis (non FDA approved)

  • Intestinal cestode (tapeworm) infections (non FDA approved)

Contraindications:

  • Ocular cysticercosis

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category B; do not nurse on day of treatment and during the subsequent 72 hours

  • Children <4 years

  • Cerebral cysticercosis (hospitalize patient for duration of therapy)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache

  • GI: abdominal discomfort, minimal increases in liver enzymes

  • SKIN: urticaria

  • MISC: malaise

Dosage:

Administered orally

  • Adult and child:  

    • Schistosomiasis: PO 20 mg/kg/dose 2-3 times daily for 1 day at 4-6 hour intervals

    • Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis: PO 75 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for 1-2 days

    • Cysticercosis: PO 50 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for 14 days (administer steroids prior to starting praziquantel for neurocysticercosis)

    • Cestodes: PO 10-20 mg/kg as a single dose (25 mg/kg for Hymenolepsis nana)

Special considerations:

  • Swallow tablets unchewed with some liquid during meals

  • May cause drowsiness

  • Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring mental alertness

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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