BILTRICIDE (PRAZIQUANTEL)

The medication Biltricide is prescribed by the doctor to treat infections caused by worms or liver flukes. This medication interferes with the action of the cell membrane of the parasite, leading to its death and reduction of infection. Research conducted by different methods has shown that 40 mg of per kg of body weight (the WHO recommended dose of Biltricide), helps to treat all types of Schistosomiasis.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Biltricide?

After taking this medication, a patient may experience some side effects. These side effects vary according to the dose of Biltricide and duration of the treatment. They also depend on the type of infection a patient has and how long the patient have had the infection and the place of infection in the body. Some of the common side effects of Biltricide include abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, fever, headaches, hives, loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea, rashes, tiredness, vomiting, and weakness. It is often hard to tell whether the side effects are due to the medicine or the infection itself. If you are concerned about how you are feeling after taking the medication, or feel that your condition has worsened, immediately contact your healthcare professional. Other serious side effects include allergic reactions, seizures, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and bloody diarrhea.

Are there any Precautions and Drug interactions for Biltricide?

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine since it increases the effect of Biltricide in the body. Since this medication can lead to dizziness and impairment of reflexes, you should not drive or operate machinery on the day of your treatment and during the next 24 hours.

Do not use Biltricide if you:

• Are allergic to praziquantel or any other ingredients in this medication

• have a parasitic worm infection of the eye (known as ocular cysticercosis

• Are taking rifampin at the same time because the amount of Biltricide in your body may be lowered below the level required to treat your infection

Before using Biltricide, tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. This medication is excreted in breast milk. Discuss with your doctor if breastfeeding is right for your infant.

• Have a history of epilepsy

• Have liver or kidney problems

• Have heart problems

The safety and efficacy of Biltricide have not been established in children under 4 years of age.

Drug interactions

You should always tell your health care professional about any medications that you have been taking or are going to take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements including St. John’s Wort. Drugs that may interact with Biltricide include:

• Albendazole (a medication used for the treatment of parasitic worm infections)

• Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, fosphenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital) used to treat seizures

• Anti-fungal agents (miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole)

• Cimetidine (an antacid)

• Chloroquine (a medicine used to treat certain types of malaria)

• Dexamethasone (a steroid used to treat various inflammatory and allergic conditions)

• Erythromycin (an antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections)

• Glucose and bicarbonate can cause a decrease in Biltricide levels in your blood

Biltricide Storage and Safety Information

Biltricide should be stored at room temperature between 15-30 °C, protected from moisture and light. Keep the medication out of sight and reach of children.