Biltricide

The active ingredient in Biltricide is praziquantel, which is an anthelmintic medicine. It is used to treat fluke infections in the blood, liver, or bile ducts. Biltricide's exact mechanism of action is unknown at this time. However, it is supposed to kill the flukes by inducing severe muscle spasms that paralyse them.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Biltricide. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Biltricide:

• Biltricide is typically taken three times in one day, four to six hours apart.
• Biltricide should be taken with a meal and an 8-ounce glass of water.
• You may need to break a Biltricide tablet to achieve the optimum dose. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Do not chew the tablet or any portion of the tablet. The bitter taste of the tablet may cause you to gag or vomit.
• If the child taking Biltricide is unable to swallow a tablet or tablet portion whole, smash the tablet and combine it with a liquid or semi-solid food. The youngster should consume the concoction right away, without chewing.

Some mild and common side effects of praziquantel include:

• Headaches.
• Drowsiness.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Trouble breathing.
• Itchiness.
• Fever.
• Blurred vision or changes in vision.
• Loss of appetite.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Biltricide. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms include skin soreness, rash, big blisters, fever, sore throat, exhaustion, facial puffiness, and swollen lips.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) issues include heart flutter, slow or rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• Seizures.
• Problems with the brain or nervous system include severe headaches, confusion, a lack of attention to people and surroundings, and fainting.
• Life-threatening allergic reactions such as swelling, hives, and skin rash.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Biltricide. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Biltricide, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Allergies to the medication.
• Parasitic infection in your eye.
• Taken Rifampin within the last four weeks.
• Lumps (nodules) under the skin.
• Seizures.
• Epilepsy.
• Liver disease.
• Heart problems.

• Fluke infection of the eye.
• Rifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and other diseases.

Typically, one day of treatment with Biltricide is sufficient to kill the majority or all of the blood flukes or liver flukes in your body. According to one study, most blood fluke infections were gone 2 to 8 weeks after receiving one treatment of medicine at the World Health Organization's recommended dose.

When Biltricide is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Grapefruit juice.
• Carbamazepine.
• Cimetidine.
• Ketoconazole.
• Itraconazole.
• Phenytoin.
• Chloroquine.
• Dexamethasone.
• Erythromycin.
• Phenobarbital.
• Efavirenz.

Biltricide is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: 600 mg film-coated tablets.

Biltricide is dosed according to body weight. Your healthcare professional will establish the best dosage for you. The following doses are for adults and children aged one year or older.

Blood fluke infections: The average dose is 20 mg/kg of weight orally three times a day for one day only. Each dose of praziquantel should be taken at least four to six hours apart.

For liver fluke infections, the normal dose is 25 mg/kg of weight taken orally three times per day (4 to 6 hours apart) for one day only.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Bayer is the company that manufactures Biltricide.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Biltricide.

You should not discontinue Biltricide (praziquantel) on your own; it is typically provided as a brief treatment course for parasite infections, and discontinuing too soon may leave the infection untreated.

Studies have shown that taking Biltricide while pregnant did not increase the risk of harm to unborn babies. However, you should talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Small amounts of Biltricide are found in breast milk. However, there are no reports of adverse effects on breastfed infants. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.