Sometimes when a doctor prescribes a medication, we may not be completely clear about what it is for, how to use it, and what the possible side effects are. Especially when it comes to medications for conditions like parasitic worms. Today we are talking about Praziquantel, a very important medication that is used to treat several types of worms.
What is Praziquantel?
Simply put, praziquantel is an anti-infective drug. It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of parasitic worms that can enter our bodies. It does this by destroying the parasites that are inside the body.
The important thing is that this is not a medicine for every worm infection. It is prescribed only after your doctor has confirmed that you have a parasitic infection that can be treated with this medicine, based on your symptoms and after conducting the necessary tests. You may find this medicine in the pharmacy under the brand name `Biltricide`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine. This information will determine the dosage and duration of treatment. Therefore, be sure to tell him about these facts.
- If you have liver disease: Many medications that enter our bodies are metabolized, that is, processed, in the liver. Therefore, it is essential to inform your doctor if you have any liver disease.
- If you have worm cysts in the eye: This is very important. Some parasitic infections can cause worms (cysts) to form inside the eye. It can be dangerous to give this medicine to someone with such a condition. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about it.
- If you have allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this praziquantel medicine, any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: We need to be very careful about all medications we take during these times, so talk to your doctor about this.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should be especially careful when taking medication while breastfeeding. So inform your doctor about this as well.
How should I use the medicine?
The best way to get results is to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and for the prescribed period of time.
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- It is best to take it with a meal. Or you can take it after a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Very important: Do not chew, crush, or dissolve this tablet in your mouth. Doing so may cause a bitter taste and nausea. Swallow the tablet whole.
- If there is a score line in the middle of the pill, you can break it along that line and take the required dose, as instructed by the doctor.
- Most importantly: Take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel a little better. If you stop taking the medication halfway, the infection may not be completely cured and may come back.
Should I give this to small children?
This medicine is prescribed by doctors in some special cases for children over 4 years of age. But there are special precautions for it. Therefore , never give this medicine to your child without a doctor's advice. The doctor will determine the correct dosage based on the child's weight and condition.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you take, even some beverages you drink, can interact with praziquantel. This may reduce the effectiveness of the medication or increase side effects. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| Drug/substance type | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Medicines for seizures | Drugs such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital. |
| Some antifungals | Drugs like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole. |
| Some antibiotics | Drugs like Rifampin and Erythromycin. |
| Other medications | Chloroquine, Cimetidine, Dexamethasone. |
| Herbal products | Things like St. John's Wort. |
| Drinks | Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- See your doctor again: After you finish taking your medication, see your doctor again to make sure the infection is completely gone. He or she may order another test, such as a stool test, if necessary.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration on the day of taking this medicine and the day after. If you are an elderly person, do it slowly when you get up from a standing position and when you get up from a sitting position. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Pay special attention to cleanliness: Be very careful about cleanliness to prevent parasitic infections from recurring and spreading them to others in the household.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet and before eating.
- Cut your nails short and clean between them thoroughly.
- Change and wash your bed sheets and underwear every day.
- Always keep the toilet and the floor clean.
What side effects can be seen?
Like all medicines, praziquantel can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Side Effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If any of these occur, notify your doctor or ETU immediately. | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Bloody diarrhea | Blood in the stool. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Fever | Fever without a reason. |
| Seizures | Having a fit-like condition. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Body pain | Body aches, muscle pain. |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Dizziness, drowsiness. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite. |
| Stomach discomfort, nausea | Stomach upset, nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- Praziquantel is a medication for specific parasitic worm infections that should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have (especially liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine with a meal. Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing or crushing it.
- Take the full amount of medication prescribed by the doctor for the full duration. Don't stop halfway through just because you feel better.
- Avoid driving while taking this medicine as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions or other serious symptoms.
- Personal hygiene is very important to prevent re-infection and stop spreading it to others.
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