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