API

Drug classification

Antihelminthic (isoquinoline derivative).

Dosage form

Tablet

API strength per dosage

Praziquantel 600mg

Dose

Adults and children over 4 years: 20 mg/kg orally three times daily for one day for most parasitic infections. For schistosomiasis, 40 mg/kg divided into two doses in one day. Adjustments may be needed for hepatic impairment. Not recommended for children under 4 years.

Mechanism of action

Indications

Schistosomiasis (all species), clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, cysticercosis, hydatid disease (in combination with albendazole), fasciolopsiasis, paragonimiasis, intestinal fluke infections, liver fluke infections.

Side effects

Abdominal pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, urticaria, fever, eosinophilia, myalgia, diarrhea, pruritus, rash, vertigo, malaise, asthenia, elevated liver enzymes.

Pregnancy category

Category B

Precautions

Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, caution in hepatic impairment, adjust dose in renal impairment, avoid concurrent use with strong CYP450 inducers, assess for cardiac irregularities, caution in cerebral cysticercosis (risk of seizures), perform parasitological tests prior to treatment, caution during pregnancy, not recommended for breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to praziquantel or any component, ocular cysticercosis, hepatic impairment, concomitant use with strong CYP450 inducers, pregnancy (for schistosomiasis treatment).