Key facts about Biltricide
What is Biltricide?
Biltricide is the brand name for praziquantel and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Biltricide available in?
Biltricide is available as a 600 mg oral tablet.
What is Biltricide used for?
Biltricide is an antiparasitic medication used to treat blood fluke infections (schistosomiasis) and liver fluke infections (clonorchiasis or opisthorchiasis).
How does Biltricide work?
Biltricide is an antiparasitic medication. The exact way that it works isn’t fully understood. However, it is thought to kill blood and liver flukes by causing severe spasms in their muscles and paralyzing them.
How do I take Biltricide?
The typical dose of Biltricide is 20 to 25 mg/kg of weight by mouth three times a day (4 to 6 hours apart) for 1 day only.
Is it safe for me to take Biltricide?
Biltricide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Known hypersensitivity to the
- Drug or any of the excipients
- Fluke infection of the eye
- You are taking a strong CYP450 inducer such as rifampin (Rifadin)
Biltricide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Biltricide:
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Itchiness
- Drowsiness
- Fever
Biltricide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Biltricide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome: skin pain, rash, large blisters, fever, sore throat, fatigue, facial swelling, swollen lips
- Irregular heart rhythm problems: heart flutter, slow or fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Brain or nervous system problems: severe headaches, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, fainting
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Biltricide
The following medications may interact with Biltricide:
- Strong CYP450 inducers such as rifampin (Rifadin)
Who makes Biltricide?
Bayer Healthcare
Is Biltricide safe in pregnancy?
It is not known whether this medication is safe for you and your unborn baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
