• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is the most important information I should know about praziquantel?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Praziquantel may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Take praziquantel with liquid during a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

What is praziquantel?

Praziquantel is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.

Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by worms in the Schistosoma family of worms.

Praziquantel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take praziquantel?

Before taking praziquantel, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have.

Praziquantel should not be used to treat parasitic infections in the eye.

Praziquantel is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take praziquantel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Praziquantel passes into breast milk and it may affect a nursing baby. Breast-feeding is usually interrupted for a short period during treatment with praziquantel. Do not take praziquantel without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Children younger than 4 years of age should not use praziquantel unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

How should I take praziquantel?

Take praziquantel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take praziquantel with a beverage during a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Doses are usually taken three times in one day with no less than 4 hours but not more than 6 hours between doses. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Fasting, laxatives, and purging will not help cure this infection.

Store praziquantel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control center near you.

What should I avoid while taking praziquantel?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Praziquantel may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of praziquantel?

Stop taking praziquantel and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take praziquantel and talk to your doctor if you experience

• a headache or dizziness,

• abdominal upset or discomfort,

• a fever, or

• hives.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect praziquantel?

Medicines used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), ethotoin (Peganone), and mephenytoin (Mesantoin), may decrease the effects of praziquantel. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications so that your therapy can be monitored.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with praziquantel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about praziquantel written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Praziquantel is available with a prescription under the brand name Biltricide in 600 mg film-coated tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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.