II. Indications
- Schistosomiasis
- Liver Flukes (Clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis)
- Intestinal Tapeworms (off-label)
- Neurocysticercosis (off-label, with >2 viable parenchymal cysticerci)
III. Contraindications
- Ocular Cysticercosis
IV. Mechanism
- Antihelminth, Pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative
- Increases worm tegument and cell membrane permeability
- Allows for rapid influx of Calcium (including into muscle Sarcoplasmic Reticulum)
- Leads to rapid muscular contractions and then paralysis
- Breaks down worm tegument
- Allows for host responses against the worm including Phagocytosis
V. Medications
- Tablet: 600 mg
- Do not chew
VI. Dosing: Adults (and Children age >=1 year old)
-
Schistosomiasis
- Praziquantel 20 mg/kg orally every 4 to 6 hours for 3 doses with both food and liquids
-
Liver Flukes
- Praziquantel 25 mg/kg orally every 4 to 6 hours for 3 doses with both food and liquids
- Intestinal Tapeworms (off-label)
- Praziquantel 10 mg/kg orally for 1 dose
-
Neurocysticercosis (off-label, with >2 viable parenchymal cysticerci)
- Praziquantel 50 mg/kg/day divided three times daily orally with both food and liquids for 10 days AND
- Albendazole AND
- Pretreatment with Corticosteroids
VII. Adverse Effects
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sedation
- May persist for up to 48 hours after dose
VIII. Safety
IX. Drug Interactions
X. Resources
- Praziquantel Tablet (DailyMed)
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Related Studies
Definition (NCI) | A pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative with anthelminthic property. Praziquantel increases the permeability of the tegument of susceptible worms, resulting in an influx and increase in intra-tegumental calcium leading to rapid contractions and paralysis of the worm's musculature through a subsequent increase in levels of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, vacuolization of the tegumental syncytium and blebbing results in tegument disintegration, leads to antigen exposure and elicit host defense responses to the worm. The result is the formation of granulomas and phagocytosis. |
Definition (MSH) | An anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. |
Concepts | Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Organic Chemical (T109) |
MSH | D011223 |
SnomedCT | 387310003, 55889005 |
English | Prasiquantel, Praziquantel, 4H-Pyrazino(2,1-a)isoquinolin-4-one, 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-, praziquantel, praziquantel (medication), PRAZIQUANTEL, Praziquantel [Chemical/Ingredient], Praziquantel (product), Praziquantel (substance) |
Swedish | Prazikvantel |
Czech | praziquantel |
Finnish | Pratsikvanteli |
Russian | PRAZIKVANTEL, ПРАЗИКВАНТЕЛ |
Japanese | プラジクワンテル, プラジカンテル |
Polish | Prazykwantel |
Spanish | praziquantel (producto), praziquantel (sustancia), praziquantel, Praziquantel |
French | Praziquantel |
German | Praziquantel |
Italian | Praziquantel |
Portuguese | Praziquantel |