Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. Praziquantel effects the permeability of the cell membrane resulting in the contraction of schistosomes. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. The effect is more marked on adult worms compared to young worms. An increased calcium influx may play an important role. Secondary effects are inhibition of glucose uptake, lowering of glycogen levels and stimulation of lactate release. The action of praziquantel is limited very specifically to trematodes and cestodes; nematodes (including filariae) are not affected.
Praziquantel works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the worms' muscles. This paralysis is accompanied - and probably caused - by a rapid Ca 2+ influx inside the schistosome. Morphological alterations are another early effect of praziquantel. These morphological alterations are accompanied by an increased exposure of schistosome antigens at the parasite surface. The worms are then either completely destroyed in the intestine or passed in the stool. An interesting quirk of praziquantel is that it is relatively ineffective against juvenile schistosomes. While initially effective, effectiveness against schistosomes decreases until it reaches a minimum at 3-4 weeks. Effectiveness then increases again until it is once again fully effective at 6-7 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), an essential detoxification enzyme in parasitic helminths, is a major vaccine target and a drug target against schistosomiasis. Schistosome calcium ion channels are currently the only known target of praziquantel.
TargetActionsOrganismA
Schistosome calcium ion (Ca2+) channelsother/unknown
Schistosoma
Generic name: praziquantel [ PRAZ-i-KWON-tel ]
Brand name: Biltricide
Dosage form: oral tablet (600 mg)
Drug class: Anthelmintics
Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by schistosoma worms, which enter the body through skin that has come into contact with contaminated water. Schistosoma worms are found in Africa, South America, Middle Eastern countries, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.
Praziquantel is also used to treat infection with liver flukes, caused by a type of worm found in East Asia. This worm enters the body while eating contaminated fish.
Praziquantel is for use in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.
Praziquantel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Praziquantel may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
fever, chills, sore throat, headache, body aches, tiredness, not feeling well;
slow or irregular heartbeats;
stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea;
a seizure;
trouble concentrating; or
cold sweats, skin irritation.
Common side effects of praziquantel may include:
general ill feeling;
headache, dizziness;
nausea, stomach discomfort;
fever; or
rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
albendazole, mebendazole, nitazoxanide, paromomycin, niclosamide, Alinia, Albenza
You should not take praziquantel if you are allergic to praziquantel, or if you have taken rifampin in the last 4 weeks.
You should not use praziquantel if you are allergic to it, or if:
you have a parasitic infection in your eye; or
you have taken rifampin within the past 4 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
lumps (nodules) under your skin;
seizures or epilepsy;
liver disease; or
heart problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Praziquantel is usually taken 3 times in one day. Take your doses 4 to 6 hours apart on that day.
Praziquantel should be taken with a meal and a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
You may need to break a praziquantel tablet in order to get the correct dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not chew the tablet or portion of a tablet. The bitter taste of the tablet could cause you to gag or vomit.
If the child taking praziquantel cannot swallow a tablet or tablet portion whole, crush the tablet and mix it with a liquid or semi-solid food. The child should swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity on the day you take praziquantel, and also the day after. Your reactions could be impaired.
Grapefruit may interact with praziquantel and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect praziquantel, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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