Praziquantel (Systemic)

Brand Names : Biltricide

Proper Use of This Medicine

No special preparations (for example, special diets, fasting, other medicines, laxatives, or enemas) are necessary before, during, or immediately after taking praziquantel.

Praziquantel has a bitter taste that may cause gagging or vomiting. The bitter taste may be more noticeable if the tablets are held in the mouth or chewed. Therefore, do not chew praziquantel tablets . Swallow them whole with a small amount of liquid during meals.

To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of praziquantel will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of praziquantel. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking praziquantel .

• For the treatment of clonorchiasis (Chinese or Oriental liver fluke) and opisthorchiasis (liver flukes):
  • Adults and children 4 years of age and older: Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor. This dose is taken three times a day for one day.
  • Children up to 4 years of age: Dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For the treatment of schistosomiasis:
  • Adults and children 4 years of age and older: Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor. This dose is taken two or three times a day for one day.
  • Children up to 4 years of age: Dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.