Praziquantel is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic (anthelmintic) drug used primarily to treat infections caused by flatworms and flukes (trematodes), including schistosomes and tapeworms (cestodes).
 
What It Treats:
1. Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)
Caused by Schistosoma species (e.g., S. haematobium, S. mansoni, S. japonicum)
A major parasitic disease in tropical areas
2. Liver and Lung Flukes
Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke)
Opisthorchis spp.
Paragonimus westermani (lung fluke)
3. Tapeworm Infections
Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) – though not used for neurocysticercosis (brain infection) unless in a controlled setting
Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm)
4. Cysticercosis (in some cases)
Caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium
Often used with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
 
How It Works:
Praziquantel increases calcium permeability in the membranes of parasitic worms, causing:
Muscle contraction
Paralysis
Detachment from host tissues
Death of the parasite
It works systemically, so it can target parasites in various organs—not just the gut.
 
Administration:
Given orally (usually tablets)
Dosage depends on the type of infection, body weight, and severity
Often taken with food to improve absorption
 
Common Side Effects:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
Fatigue
Fever or allergic-like symptoms (often due to dying parasites, not the drug itself)
 
Precautions:
Generally safe but not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy
Can interact with drugs that affect liver enzymes (e.g., cimetidine, phenytoin, dexamethasone)
Use with caution in neurocysticercosis or ocular cysticercosis (can trigger inflammation as parasites die)
 
Summary:
Name: Praziquantel
Drug class: Anthelmintic
Main use: Schistosomiasis, fluke, tapeworm
Mechanism: Calcium influx → paralysis/death
Route: Oral
Absorption: Well absorbed, systemic action
Key side effects: GI upset, dizziness, inflammation
Pregnancy safety: Avoid in 1st trimester if possible