Biltricide is a white, oral tablet made up of praziquantel. Praziquantel is part of a drug class called anthelmintics and is available for purchase in 600mg doses.

Biltricide is prescribed to patients with infections caused by certain parasites. These parasites include (but are not limited to) schistosoma worms and liver flukes. Schistosoma worms enter through your skin that has come into contact with contaminated water; liver flukes enter your body when you eat contaminated fish. When a person has a parasite infection, they will likely have symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, hives or a rash, malaise, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and others not listed.

This medication works by killing the parasites that have habituated your body by paralyzing them. Once paralyzed, they can no longer grasp the blood vessel walls and they will be flushed out of the body naturally. You will notice your symptoms disappear as your infection begins to heal and your quality of life should return to normal.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions should also be available on the label of the prescription/bottle.

Take Biltricide by mouth. Take this medication with food and water or as directed by your doctor.

The average recommendation is 3 a day taken at separate times (4-6 hours apart).

Do not chew this tablet, if you cannot swallow it whole, you may crush it and add it into a soft food (apple sauce or yogurt) or liquids. Make sure you take the medication within one hour of mixing it in order to get full effectiveness.

Do not give this medication to an infant under 1 year old.

Before taking Biltricide, tell your doctor about…

All medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies; Any drug allergies you may have; Your history of; lumps under your skin, seizures or epilepsy, liver disease, or heart problems; and if you are Breastfeeding or pregnant.

Do not take Biltricide if…

You are allergic to praziquantel or the in-active ingredients in Biltricide; You have a parasitic eye infection; or You have taken rifampin in the past 4 weeks.

Common Side Effects:

general ill feeling; headache, dizziness; nausea, stomach discomfort; fever; or rash.

Speak to your doctor right away if:

fever, chills, sore throat, headache, body aches, tiredness, not feeling well; slow or irregular heartbeats; stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea; a seizure; trouble concentrating; or cold sweats, skin irritation.

Does this drug pass into breast milk?

Yes it does. Consult your doctor to find out what the risks include.

What may interact with this medicine?

-barbiturates like phenobarbital

-chloroquine

-cimetidine

-dexamethasone

-erythromycin

-grapefruit juice

-lumacaftor; ivacaftor

-medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

-rifampin

-some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine

-St. John's Wort

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

1. If you symptoms are getting better or worse.

2. Bad hygiene. Ensure you are washing your hands when needed, showering often, cleaning your clothing and bedding and keeping up with general good hygiene.

3. Pregnancy. During time of pregnancy, Biltricide should only be used when needed.