Praziquantel (By mouth)

Introduction:

Praziquantel (praz-i-KWON-tel)

Treats infections caused by parasites such as liver flukes (worms) or schistosoma (blood flukes).

Brand Name(s):

Biltricide

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Most people need to wait at least 4 hours after taking one dose of this medicine before they take the next dose. Do not wait more than 6 hours between each dose of this medicine.
• Swallow the tablet with some liquid during a meal. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew.
• Do not break the tablet unless your doctor tells you to. If you have been told to break your tablet, you can break off a part by pressing the notch with your fingernail.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), chloroquine (Aralen®), dexamethasone (Decadron®), erythromycin (E-Mycin®, Ery-Tab®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®). Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine for seizures such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Tegretol®, or Dilantin®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. You should not breast feed on the day you use this medicine and for 72 hours (3 days) afterward.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or heart disease.
• Do not drive or use machines on the day you use this medicine and for one day afterward.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever.
• Seizure.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling tired or dizzy.
• Headache.
• Mild skin rash or hives.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: