Sometimes our bodies can be infected with various parasites, especially worms. Some of these, for example, liver flukes, are treated with special medications by doctors. One such medication that kills such parasitic worm infections is called Triclabendazole. So today, let's talk about how to use this medication exactly, what we need to be careful about while using it, and what side effects it can cause.
What kind of medicine is Triclabendazole?
Simply put, triclabendazole is a drug that works against parasites. In medical terms, we call this an ``antiparasitic`` drug. It is mainly used to treat infections caused by certain types of worms in the body, especially in the liver. Your doctor may have prescribed this drug to you under the brand name ``Egaten``.
Remember, this is not like the deworming medicine we usually use. This is a specialized medicine that must be prescribed by a doctor for specific worm infections.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is absolutely important to tell your doctor some things about your health condition so that he can treat you safely.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| If you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat. | This medication may affect heart rhythm, so special care should be taken with it. |
| If you have allergies to triclabendazole or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction that may be caused by the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | Any medication should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy, so the doctor should be aware of this. |
| If you are a nursing mother. | The doctor must determine whether the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is to take this medicine with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is better absorbed by the body when taken with food.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor at the right time. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.
- You may have been prescribed medicine for only a short period of time, such as a day or two. Even if you feel better, finish all the medicine prescribed. Only then will the infection be completely cured.
- If given to children: Children over 6 years of age can be prescribed this medicine in some special cases. But your pediatrician will decide on this. Follow his/her instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is very important. If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with triclabendazole and cause adverse effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Type of medicine | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Never take this with medication. | |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | These can seriously affect heart function when taken with triclabendazole. |
| Be especially careful if you take this medicine with | |
| Some medications used for epilepsy, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin. | These may change the way triclabendazole works. |
| Other medications that affect heart rhythm (drugs that prolong the QT interval). | Since triclabendazole also has this effect, the risk increases when taken with another similar drug. |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as Warfarin. | Triclabendazole may alter the effects of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| If you have any of these, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. | Seek medical advice immediately as this can be a serious condition. |
| Signs of a heart problem - chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, difficulty breathing. | This could be a change in heart rhythm, so inform your doctor immediately. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin (Jaundice). | This could be a sign of liver damage. See a doctor immediately. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, fatigue. | These usually subside within a few days, but if they persist or bother you, let your doctor know. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Triclabendazole is a specific medication used to treat parasitic worm infections, especially liver worm infections.
- Taking this medicine with a meal is very important for its effectiveness.
- If you have heart disease, allergies, or are pregnant/breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before taking the medication.
- As this may interact with other medications (especially those that affect the heart), inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
- If you overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Center or the nearest hospital ETU .
- If you experience serious symptoms such as skin rash, chest pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, seek medical advice immediately without delay.
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