Praziquantel: Your Complete Overview

When talking about Praziquantel, a broad‑spectrum antiparasitic medication used to treat schistosomiasis and a range of tapeworm infections. Also known as Biltricide, it is the drug of choice for millions of patients worldwide. The medication belongs to the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic drugs and works by increasing calcium permeability in parasite membranes, which leads to muscle contraction and eventual death. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes that affect the urinary or intestinal tract is one of the main targets, and tapeworm infection, infections caused by cestodes like Taenia solium or Hymenolepis nana are also effectively cleared. International health bodies, especially the World Health Organization, UN agency that sets global health standards and treatment guidelines, recommend mass drug administration of Praziquantel in endemic regions, underscoring its safety profile and low cost. This first paragraph sets the stage: Praziquantel treats serious parasitic diseases, fits within WHO‑backed public‑health strategies, and belongs to a well‑studied drug class.

How Praziquantel Is Used and What to Expect

Doctors prescribe Praziquantel based on infection type, patient weight, and severity. Typical dosing for schistosomiasis is a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg, while tapeworm infections often require 5‑10 mg/kg divided over one or two days. The drug’s rapid absorption means blood levels peak within an hour, delivering swift parasite clearance. Most people experience mild side effects—headache, dizziness, or abdominal discomfort—that fade within a day. Rarely, high doses can cause hepatic enzyme elevation, so monitoring liver function in prolonged or repeated treatments is advised. Because the medication is metabolized in the liver, patients with severe hepatic impairment may need dose adjustments. These practical points help you understand what a treatment course looks like, how the dosage translates to body weight, and which safety checks clinicians perform.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each aspect of Praziquantel: from detailed dosing charts for different parasites, to real‑world experiences with side‑effects, to the latest WHO policy updates. Whether you’re a traveler, a health professional, or just curious about antiparasitic therapy, the collection offers actionable insights and reliable information to guide your next steps.