Worm infections are common among both animals and humans. Such worms are labelled as helminths. Many forms of helminths exist and are known to cause harm to human beings. These worms mostly live in your gastric tract; however, they are also known to burrow under a few other parts of your body. Anthelminthic drugs are prescribed for the timely treatment of parasitical worms; praziquantel is one among such meds. Do you know praziquantel dosage for adults? It is a good thing to know more.
Anthelminthics are used for killing worms that lead a parasitical existence inside your body. Key ingredients paralyse worms; this makes worms loosen their hold on arteries. Once they release their hold, parasites are flushed away from your body. Your body can be home to several parasites such as liver flukes, ring worms, tape worms, schistosoma-worms etc.
Of these schistosoma worms gain access into your system through impure water. These worms are found in Asia, Africa and South America. Parasites such as liver flukes are caused by parasitical worms present in Eastern part of Asia.
Praziquantel dosage for adults
One of the commonly administered anthelmintic is praziquantel. It is administered for treating infections caused by parasitical worms like flukes, schistosomes, etc. Yes, it can be used for humans. In case of younger patients, ensure it is not administered to babies less than 12 months of age. Dosage of praziquantel is never allowed if you have taken doses of rifampicin in the last 1 month.
Praziquantel
Standard dosage of praziquantel is 3 times within a 24-hour timeline. If you are advised to provide a time interval of 5 hours in between two doses. Each dose must be consumed along with food. It is a safe thing to take it with 6 – 7 ounces of water. It is unsafe to chew or eat the pill. The tablet has a bitter taste and this can make you vomit.
Praziquantel mechanism of action
Medical research on how this anthelminthic works is still underway. However, limited studies done on this drug indicate that its active chemicals enhance permeability of membranes of worms’ cells onto calcium. This action results in contracting the worm’s muscles. The end outcome is a paralysed state of parasites. This eventually causes their destruction.
A few other mechanisms have also been recorded; these include disturbing the egg-laying capability of parasites, distorting the focus / hold of worms onto the human body, etc.
How long does praziquantel take to work in humans?
The duration of treatment is often times a single day. Use of anthelminthic drugs like praziquantel can lead to an overdosed condition. People who took an overdose witnessed excessive levels of dizziness, inability to remain focused or loss of consciousness. You are advised not to pursue activities such as working on heavy machinery or sporting actions like driving or swimming.
In case of humans – especially adults, dosages are offered in the order of 20 mg per kg of body weight – this dosage is evenly divided into 3 or 4 doses within a day. It is equally important to tell your doctor of the other meds you are using now. For instance, praziquantel can interact adversely with phenytoin, carbamazepine, efavirenz, dexamethasone, etc.
Lastly, women who are nursing an infant must share details about their medical condition with the caregiver. Studies show that some traces of this med can be found in mother’s milk. But, the side effects such traces cause on babies remain largely insignificant. As a safety measure, do not breastfeed your infant within 75 hours from the last dose of this med.
In sum, praziquantel kills parasitical worms like flukes, schistosomes, etc. This med is not an OTC med, and hence its use is strictly as per the advice of a qualified medical professional. If you want to know about suitability of praziquantel for humans, talk to your treating physician.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
