Biltricide: Effective Treatment for Schistosomiasis and Fluke Infections
Biltricide
| Product dosage: 600mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.83
Best per pill | $50.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Biltricide (praziquantel) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic medication recognized as the gold standard for treating parasitic infections caused by schistosomes (blood flukes) and other trematodes. As a World Health Organization Essential Medicine, it represents a critical tool in global parasitic disease control programs. Its mechanism of action induces rapid tegumental damage in susceptible parasites, leading to paralysis and death. Clinical efficacy, well-established safety profile, and single-dose convenience make it a cornerstone of antiparasitic therapy in both endemic regions and travel medicine.
Features
- Active ingredient: Praziquantel 600 mg
- Pharmaceutical form: Film-coated tablets
- Rapid and concentration-dependent parasiticidal activity
- High cure rates against all Schistosoma species pathogenic to humans
- Effective against liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini) and intestinal flukes (Fasciolopsis buski)
- Suitable for use in mass drug administration programs
- Thermostable formulation appropriate for tropical climates
Benefits
- Achieves parasitological cure in majority of treated patients with appropriate dosing
- Prevents chronic complications of schistosomiasis including hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, and bladder cancer
- Interrupts parasite transmission within communities when deployed in control programs
- Single-day dosing regimen enhances adherence compared to multi-day therapies
- Well-tolerated profile with predominantly transient adverse effects
- Cost-effective intervention with significant public health impact
Common use
Biltricide is indicated for the treatment of schistosomiasis (bilharzia) caused by all Schistosoma species pathogenic to humans, including S. haematobium, S. mansoni, S. japonicum, S. mekongi, and S. intercalatum. It is also effective against infections caused by liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini) and intestinal flukes (Fasciolopsis buski). The medication is used both for individual treatment of diagnosed infections and in population-based control programs in endemic areas. In travel medicine, it serves as post-exposure treatment for individuals with potential freshwater exposure in endemic regions.
Dosage and direction
Dosing is weight-based and varies according to the parasitic infection being treated. For schistosomiasis, the standard dose is 40 mg/kg body weight administered as a single dose or in two divided doses on the same day. For infections with S. japonicum and S. mekongi, 60 mg/kg divided into two or three doses on the same day is recommended. Liver fluke infections require 25 mg/kg three times daily for one or two days. Tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid during meals, as food enhances absorption. Crushing or chewing tablets is not recommended due to the bitter taste, which may cause gagging or vomiting. The uncoated tablet contents may irritate the oral mucosa.
Precautions
Hepatic function should be considered, as praziquantel metabolism may be impaired in patients with severe liver disease. Use with caution in patients with cardiac conditions, as transient ECG changes have been reported. Neurocysticercosis must be ruled out before treatment, as destruction of cerebral cysts may provoke inflammatory responses. Pregnancy category B: use only if clearly needed, though WHO recommends treatment for pregnant women in endemic areas due to risks of untreated infection. Lactation: small amounts excreted in breast milk; consider temporary interruption of breastfeeding (8 hours post-dose). Ocular cysticercosis requires specialist management due to risk of permanent eye damage.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to praziquantel or any component of the formulation. First trimester pregnancy (relative contraindication based on limited data). Concurrent use with strong CYP450 inducers such as rifampin, which significantly reduces praziquantel bioavailability. Treatment of cysticercosis involving the central nervous system without appropriate corticosteroid cover and neurological monitoring. Patients with history of seizures require careful risk-benefit assessment.
Possible side effect
Most adverse reactions are mild to moderate, dose-related, and transient, typically occurring within hours of administration and resolving within 24 hours. Common effects include abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and malaise. Less frequently reported are urticaria, fever, and eosinophilia. Neurological side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Rare but serious effects include cardiac arrhythmias, seizures (particularly in neurocysticercosis), and hypersensitivity reactions.
Drug interaction
Rifampin and other strong CYP3A4 inducers markedly reduce praziquantel plasma concentrations—avoid concomitant use. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital may decrease praziquantel levels. Dexamethasone may lower praziquantel concentrations. Chloroquine reduces bioavailability when administered concurrently. Cimetidine may increase praziquantel levels. Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase bioavailability. Alcohol should be avoided due to potential additive CNS effects.
Missed dose
As Biltricide is typically administered as single or one-day therapy, the concept of “missed dose” primarily applies to multi-dose regimens for certain fluke infections. If a dose is missed in a multi-dose regimen, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. For single-dose regimens, if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, consideration should be given to repeating the dose once vomiting subsides.
Overdose
Cases of overdose are rare. Symptoms may include extension of known adverse effects: severe gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, sedation, and possibly convulsions. There is no specific antidote. Management is supportive and symptomatic, including monitoring of vital signs and neurological status. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding and extensive metabolism.
Storage
Store below 30°C (86°F) in original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. Tablets are relatively thermostable but should be protected from extreme heat and humidity, particularly in tropical settings.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Proper diagnosis and treatment should be made by a qualified healthcare professional based on individual patient circumstances. Dosage and administration may vary based on specific parasitic infection, patient factors, and local guidelines. Always follow the prescribing information provided with the medication and the guidance of treating physician.
Reviews
Clinical studies consistently demonstrate high efficacy rates: 85-95% cure rates for urinary schistosomiasis and 75-85% for intestinal forms. Systematic reviews confirm its position as first-line therapy for schistosome infections. Field studies in mass administration programs show significant reduction in parasite prevalence and intensity. The WHO considers it safe and effective for use in school-based deworming programs. Reports of transient side effects are common but rarely lead to treatment discontinuation. Development of resistance, while concerning in veterinary applications, remains limited in human schistosomiasis.