Praziquantel (Biltricide®): Uses & Side Effects

What is this medication?

PRAZIQUANTEL (PRAZ i KWON tel) is an anti-infective. It is used to treat infections of some parasite worms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Biltricide

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•liver disease

•worm cysts in the eye

•an unusual or allergic reaction to praziquantel, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Do not chew, crush, or melt this medicine in the mouth before swallowing. Tablets may be broken at score lines as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•barbiturates like phenobarbital

•chloroquine

•cimetidine

•dexamethasone

•erythromycin

•grapefruit juice

•lumacaftor; ivacaftor

•medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

•rifampin

•some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine

•St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional to check that the infection is cleared. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. On the day of and on the day after treatment with this medicine, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Practice good hygiene to prevent infection of others. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder linens and undergarments. Scrub toilets often and keep floors clean.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•bloody diarrhea

•breathing problems

•fast, irregular heartbeat

•fever

•seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•aches, pains

•dizzy, drowsy

•headache

•loss of appetite

•stomach upset, nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Store away from heat and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.