What is this medicine?
PRAZIQUANTEL (PRAZ i KWON tel) is an anti-infective. It is used to treat infections of some parasite worms.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Biltricide 600MG Tablets | SCHERING | 6/$88.87 or 18/$243.85 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- bloody diarrhea
- breathing problems
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- fever
- seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- aches, pains
- dizzy, drowsy
- headache
- loss of appetite
- stomach upset, nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Do not chew, crush, or melt this medicine in the mouth before swallowing. Tablets may be broken at score lines as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- chloroquine
- cimetidine
- dexamethasone
- erythromycin
- grapefruit juice
- medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
- rifampin
- some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine
- St. John's Wort
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Intraocular cysticercosis.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional to check that the infection is cleared. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. On the day of and on the day after treatment with this medicine, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Practice good hygiene to prevent infection of others. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder linens and undergarments. Scrub toilets often and keep floors clean.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- liver disease
- worm cysts in the eye
- an unusual or allergic reaction to praziquantel, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Sign up with Facebook
