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Anthelmintic (praziquinoline)

Praziquantel

Brand names: Cysticide

Adult dose

Dose: Schistosomiasis: 40–60 mg/kg PO single or split doses. Tapeworm: 5–25 mg/kg single

Route: PO

Frequency: single/split

Clinical pearls

Schistosomiasis (all species), cestode infections
Neurocysticercosis: co-administer steroid + anticonvulsant

Contraindications

Ocular cysticercosis
Severe hepatic impairment
Hypersensitivity

Side effects

Headache
Dizziness
GI upset
Urticaria
Eosinophilia
CSF pleocytosis (neurocysticercosis)

Interactions

Strong CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin)
Cimetidine

Reference: BNF; UKHSA; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/praziquantel/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways