Praziquantel: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic medicine used against certain parasitic worm infections. It is most commonly prescribed for schistosomiasis, an infection caused by Schistosoma species, and it also treats selected liver fluke infections. Praziquantel tablets require a prescription in the United Kingdom, and a generic version has been available since 2017-11-27.

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic, meaning it acts against parasitic worms. It increases the permeability of the worm's outer covering to calcium ions. This causes sustained contraction and paralysis of the parasite, followed by damage to its surface and clearance by the body's immune system.

The effect helps remove susceptible Schistosoma parasites and certain liver flukes from the body. Reactions to dying parasites can sometimes contribute to symptoms, particularly when there is a heavy worm burden or infection involving sensitive tissues. The medicine does not work against every type of parasite, so its use depends on the infection being treated and clinical assessment.

Praziquantel is indicated for schistosomiasis caused by all species of Schistosoma, including Schistosoma mekongi, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium. It is also indicated for clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis caused by the liver flukes Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini. These are parasitic infections that require assessment and treatment by a suitable healthcare professional.

The medicine is indicated for patients aged 1 year and older. It is not indicated for ocular cysticercosis, which is a contraindication because destruction of parasites within the eye may cause irreversible lesions.

The label lists 600 mg film-coated oral tablets. The usual starting dose is 20 mg/kg body weight three times a day, with doses separated by 4 to 6 hours, for 1 day only, for schistosomiasis. The usual starting dose is 25 mg/kg body weight three times a day, with doses separated by 4 to 6 hours, for 1 day only, for clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis.

The label lists administration with water during meals. The label lists three scores on each tablet, allowing four segments, with each segment containing 150 mg. For paediatric patients under 6 years of age, the label lists crushing or disintegrating tablets and mixing them with semi-solid food or liquid; the mixture is to be used within 1 hour.

Store praziquantel tablets at 20 ° to 25 ° C. Excursions are permitted between 15 ° and 30 ° C.

Keep the tablets in their container and protect them from unsuitable heat, moisture and light. Store out of the reach of children and follow the storage directions on the label to maintain quality.

Praziquantel is prescribed as a short treatment course with doses separated during the treatment day. If a scheduled dose is missed, the prescriber or pharmacist should be contacted promptly for advice, because changing the timing may affect treatment.

A missed dose should not be replaced by an extra dose unless a healthcare professional specifically advises this. The prescribed course should be followed as directed by the treating clinician.

Published studies have not identified an association between praziquantel use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. The label reports no evidence of fetal harm in animal reproduction studies.

Limited published information reports praziquantel in human milk at low concentrations, but there is no information about effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Breastfeeding benefits, the mother’s clinical need and potential effects should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.