BILTRICIDE Dosage & Rx Info | Uses, Side Effects

Biltricide Generic Name & Formulations

Legal Class

General Description

Praziquantel 600mg; scored tabs.

Pharmacological Class

Trematodicide.

How Supplied

Tabs—6

Manufacturer

Bayer Corporation

Mechanism of Action

Praziquantel induces a rapid contraction of schistosomes by a specific effect on the permeability of the cell membrane. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. However, the mechanism of action is unknown.

Biltricide Indications

Indications

Schistosomiasis infection due to all species of schistosoma. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis infection due to the liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis/Opisthorchis viverrini.

Biltricide Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children

Swallow whole with water during meals. In children <6yrs, may be crushed or disintegrated and mixed with semi-solid food or liquid. <1yr: not established. ≥1yr: Schistosomiasis: 20mg/kg 3 times daily separated by 4–6hrs for 1 day. Clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis: 25mg/kg 3 times daily separated by 4–6hrs for 1 day.

Biltricide Contraindications

Contraindications

Ocular cysticercosis. Concomitant strong CYP3A inducers (eg, rifampin).

Biltricide Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Biltricide Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

History of epilepsy. Cerebral cysticercosis: hospitalize patient for duration of treatment. Cardiac arrhythmias (monitor). Possible clinical deterioration (paradoxical reactions, serum sickness Jarisch-Herxheimer like reactions) in patients with schistosomiasis. Moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment; monitor. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.

Biltricide Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

After oral administration, 80% of the Biltricide dose is absorbed with maximal serum concentrations achieved 1–3 hours after dosing.

Metabolism

Hepatic (CYP450).

Elimination

Renal (~80%). Half-life: 0.8–1.5 hours.

Biltricide Interactions

Interactions

See Contraindications. Antagonized by strong or moderate CYP450 3A inducers. Avoid concomitant moderate CYP3A inducers (eg, efavirenz); if possible, consider alternatives. Discontinue clinically significant CYP3A inducers (if treatment could be delayed) at least 2–4 weeks before giving praziquantel; may be restarted one day after completing praziquantel treatment, if needed. Potentiated by CYP450 inhibitors (eg, cimetidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir), grapefruit juice.

Biltricide Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Malaise, headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort with or w/o nausea, fever, urticaria.

Biltricide Clinical Trials

See Literature

Biltricide Note