Praziquantel
Also sold as: Biltricide
Prescription neededWorm and parasite medicines
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and depends on the worm and your weight. Tapeworm: usually a single dose of 5 to 10 mg per kg (25 mg per kg for dwarf tapeworm). Take with food.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- stomach pain
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- sleepiness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction
- seizures (when worm cysts are in the brain)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Worm cyst inside the eye
- Taking rifampicin
- First 3 months of pregnancy (ask your doctor)
- Do not drive on the day of treatment and the next day
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Rifampicin
Rifampicin lowers praziquantel levels so much that treatment can fail; stop rifampicin 4 weeks before if possible.