How Long Does It Take Praziquantel to Kill Tapeworms?

How Long Does it Take Praziquantel to Kill Tapeworms?

Praziquantel belongs to anthelmintic drugs it is prescribed to treat infections caused by parasites including liver flukes and schistosoma worms. The common brand name for Praziquantel is Biltricide. The anti-worm drug acts by killing the infection-causing worms. It can also be prescribed to treat certain conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Basic Information of Praziquantel That You Should Be Aware of?

Praziquantel is a prescription medication that is accessible as Praziquantel 600 mg tablets. It is used to treat infections caused by certain parasites. The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the efficiency of Praziquantel in treating liver flukes, tapeworms, and schistosomiasis worms.

Various parasitic infections such as clonorchiasis and cysticercosis can be successfully managed with Praziquantel and your healthcare professional’s instructions. It is strictly advised to begin treatment with this medication only when your doctor recommends it.

Understanding The Global Influence of Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections significantly impact billions of people inflicting a burden on global health. These upsetting organisms intrude on the body, causing symptoms varying from mild to severe.

These types of infections are more common in subtropical areas where there is a lack of clean water. A parasitic infection not only causes illness and physical discomfort but also leads to significant consequences hindering daily routines and the regular work of communities.

Several studies have recognized a major link between elevated rates of parasitism and poverty levels in many countries around thr globe. Gratefully, Praziquantel has appeared as an effective treatment for a variety of parasitic infections, considerably reducing their consequences.

How Does It Treat Infections Caused By Parasites?

The anti-parasitic drug works by destroying the infection-causing worms. It either kills or restrains parasites making it convenient for the body to eradicate them. Praziquantel is recognized to tempt spasms and immobility in parasites that inhibit their normal function and eventually lead to parasite death. As the parasites die, the body expels them naturally through feces. This process particularly marks tapeworms.

Praziquantel Dosage to Treat Various Infections

Praziquantel dosage depends on your medical condition that needs to be treated, body weight, and how your body responds to the treatment. Therefore the dose may vary from patient to patient. Do not consume more or less of the recommended dose and it for longer than the prescribed period as it may increase the likelihood of side effects.

Typical dosage for treatment of liver flukes (adults and children above one year of age):

The correct dose is determined by the healthcare provider depending on the body weight of the patient. Generally, it is 25 mg/kg of body weight 3 times for 1 day.

Typical dosage for treating Schistosomiasis worms (adults and children above one year of age):

The typical dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight three times for one day only. Make sure to maintain at least a 4-hour gap between the doses.

Typical dosage for tapeworm infections:

Your healthcare provider may prescribe multiple doses for a certain period depending on your specific condition.

How to Take Praziquantel Tablets?

Praziquantel tablets are taken orally by mouth. Take the tablet with water without sucking or chewing as it tastes bitter. Usually, it is prescribed to take after a meal 3 times a day. It is advised to maintain a 4-6-hour gap between the doses.

The tablets taste bitter so it may cause vomiting or gagging in some patients. The bitterness of these tablets is felt more when you hold the tablet in your mouth or try to chew or suck it. Thus it is directed to swallow the tablet with water.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets as a whole, you can crush the tablet and mix it in soft foods or soft liquids. Do not keep this mixture for later use. Crush the tablet carefully to make sure you get the complete dose.

The health care professional may recommend you take Praziquantel tablets less than 3 times a day or may prescribe a different dose depending on your particular condition. Make sure you take it precisely as your doctor's directions.

It is not advised to break or crush the tablet if your doctor has not ordered it. If your healthcare provider has advised you to break the tablet, break the tablet segments carefully using your thumbnails.

Take Praziquantel for the prescribed period even if your condition gets better after taking a few doses. Your infection can come back if you discontinue the medication too early. When you have to take multiple doses throughout the day, make sure you maintain regular intervals. It ensures an optimum level of this medicine in your body preventing toxicity.

Missed Dose

If you forgot a dose, take it promptly as you remember except it's time for your next dose. If it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip it and continue with the next dose. Don’t compensate for the missed dose by taking two doses concurrently.

What Makes Praziquantel an Ideal Choice?

Healthcare specialists require suitable medication to treat parasitic infections and Praziquantel is considered among the efficient options. Let's see what makes it a preferred choice.

Efficiency against parasites:

Praziquantel efficiently treats various parasitic infections such as tapeworm infections. It restrains the parasites and effectively abolishes them without harming your body. This medication is widely prescribed because of its outstanding success rate in treating these infections.

Broad spectrum treatment:

Praziquantel successfully targets a variety of parasite species. It makes this drug an ideal option when you are not sure about the species responsible for your infection, as it has a broad spectrum coverage.

Safety and tolerability:

Generally, patients tolerate this medication well as it has an excellent safety record as compared to other antiparasitic drugs. Usually, mild and temporary side effects occur.

Reachability and affordability:

You can easily buy Praziquantel from GrantPharmacy at competitive prices. Getting this medication online is an effortless process and you can get your medicine in the comfort of your home. Make sure you get this drug from an FDA-licensed pharmacy GrantPharmacy.

Possible Side Effects Associated with Praziquantel 600 mg

Praziquantel-associated side effects are mostly minor and short-term. It can cause side effects including:

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Headache

• Vomiting

Some patients may experience other side effects of this medication. Consult your healthcare team to know about drug-associated side effects and how you can prevent or manage them.

Pro tips to manage side effects:

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while taking Praziquantel. It will help you manage headaches and dehydration that may be caused by upset stomach and vomiting.

Take this medication with food or as suggested by your doctor to avoid discomfort such as stomach upset and nausea.

Allergic Reactions

An allergic reaction to Praziquantel is uncommon however if it happens it can be dangerous.  If you develop a rash, swelling, itching, extreme dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing after taking this medicine, seek prompt medical attention.

If you had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicines discuss it with your healthcare professional before starting the treatment with Praziquintol. Inform your healthcare team if you have any other allergies.

Possible Drug Interactions

Various drug interactions can cause consequences, reduce the effectiveness of medications, and increase the likelihood of developing side effects. Tell your healthcare team about any medications, herbal products, dietary supplements, or pharmacy products you are taking. Avoid taking any other drugs (prescription or over-the-counter medicines) during the treatment without consulting your doctor.

Certain medications can influence the elimination of Praziquantel from the body impacting how it works against the infection:

• Azole antifungals (Ketoconazole, Itraxonazole)

• Chloroquine

• Cimetidine

• Dexamethasone

• Efavirenz

• Macrolide antibiotics (Erythromycin)

• Rifamycins (Rifampin)

• St. John’s wort

• Seizures medications (Primidone, Carbamazepine)

Wrapping Up

Praziquantel is successfully used to treat many parasitic infections including tapeworms, liver flukes, and schistosomas (snail fever). It paralyzes and kills the parasites allowing the body to eliminate them naturally without affecting the body. Curing parasitic infections helps improve the health of infected people and improves life quality. Take this medicine only if your doctor prescribes it and always take it correctly as your doctor suggests. Make sure you carefully track all your medical and lab appointments while taking Praziquantel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Praziquantel?

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and current medical conditions particularly, about parasitic brain infection, parasitic eye infection, heart disease, liver disease, and seizures.

How long does it take Praziquantel to kill tapeworms?

Generally, Praziquantel begins its effect within 1 or 2 hours after you take it. However, patients may not notice any effects instantly. Your healthcare team may recommend certain lab tests to determine if this medication is working properly.

Does grapefruit juice interact with Praziquantel?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with certain medicines as they disturb the enzymes responsible for drug metabolization in the body. Although there is no research on how grapefruit directly influences Praziquantel treatment, it is advised to be cautious and avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Can breastfeeding women take Praziquantel?

This drug passes into the breast milk so it should be only used in nursing mothers when it is necessary. Consult your healthcare professional about the possible risks before using this medication.

What if I take too much of Praziquantel?

Taking too much of any medication including Praziquantel can cause serious consequences which can be life-threatening sometimes. If someone takes too much of Praziquantel, get instant medical attention.