Category:

• Miscellaneous

Description:

• Anthelmintic

Indications:

• Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma spp. pathogenic to humans

• Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis (liver flukes)

• Cysticercosis (non FDA approved)

• Intestinal cestode (tapeworm) infections (non FDA approved)

Contraindications:

• Ocular cysticercosis

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B; do not nurse on day of treatment and during the subsequent 72 hours

• Children <4 years

• Cerebral cysticercosis (hospitalize patient for duration of therapy)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache

• GI: abdominal discomfort, minimal increases in liver enzymes

• SKIN: urticaria

• MISC: malaise

Dosage:

Administered orally

• Adult and child:  

  • Schistosomiasis: PO 20 mg/kg/dose 2-3 times daily for 1 day at 4-6 hour intervals

  • Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis: PO 75 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for 1-2 days

  • Cysticercosis: PO 50 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for 14 days (administer steroids prior to starting praziquantel for neurocysticercosis)

  • Cestodes: PO 10-20 mg/kg as a single dose (25 mg/kg for Hymenolepsis nana)

Special considerations:

• Swallow tablets unchewed with some liquid during meals

• May cause drowsiness

• Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring mental alertness