Praziquantel
Brand: Biltricide / Prazitel
Antiparasitic
Anthelmintic (schistosomicide)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 1.5 hours |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | Yes |
| Notes | Extensively metabolized by CYP3A4; avoid with enzyme-inducing antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine). Enhanced levels with grapefruit juice. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Dizziness, headache, abdominal pain; transient fever due to worm death; urticaria rarely
Contraindications:
Ocular cysticercosis (may cause inflammation leading to blindness)
Precautions:
Caution in severe hepatic impairment; avoid driving for 24 hrs