Biltricide (Praziquantel) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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Schistosomiasis is a disease that is caused by parasites (genus Schistosoma) that enter humans by attaching to the skin, penetrating it, and then migrating through the venous system to the portal veins where the parasites produce eggs and eventually, the symptoms of acute or chronic disease (for example, fever, abdominal discomfort, blood in stools). This disease is also known as bilharziasis, bilharzia, bilharziosis, and snail fever or, in the acute form, Katayama fever. Theodore Bilharz identified the parasite Schistosoma hematobium in Egypt in 1851. Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent tropical disease in the world; malaria is the first. The disease is found mainly in developing countries in Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. About 207 million people in at least 74 countries are estimated to have the disease. In the U.S., it is diagnosed in tourists who have visited these developing...

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Biltricide Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Biltricide

Generic Name: praziquantel (Pronunciation: PRAZ i KWON tel)

What is praziquantel (Biltricide)?

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by Schistosoma worms, which enter the body through skin that has come into contact with contaminated water. Schistosoma worms are found in Africa, South America, Middle Eastern countries, the Carribean, and parts of Asia.

Praziquantel is also used to treat infection with liver flukes, caused by a type of worm found in East Asia. This worm enters the body while eating contaminated fish.

Praziquantel should not be used to treat parasitic infections in the eye.

Praziquantel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of praziquantel (Biltricide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

tired feeling;
headache, dizziness;
nausea, upset stomach;
mild fever; or
mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about praziquantel (Biltricide)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to praziquantel, or if you are also taking rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate).

Before taking praziquantel, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

Praziquantel can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Praziquantel should be taken with a meal.

Do not crush or chew the praziquantel tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

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