Praziquantel
In brief
- Praziquantel arrives from Pharmacy London24 in a single 600mg tablet strength, with pack sizes of 4, 12, 20, 40 and 80; expect UK delivery in 9–21 days.
- It causes spasm and paralysis in parasitic worms, letting the body expel them, and is used against schistosomiasis (bilharzia), tapeworm infections and liver and lung flukes.
- There is no UK-licensed product, so supply is as an unlicensed import; the amount depends on body weight and is typically split into two or three doses taken the same day, 4 to 6 hours apart.
- Swallow the tablets, or fragments of them, whole with a drink and a meal, since the taste is bitter; mothers who breastfeed should wait 72 hours after the last dose before resuming.
- Rifampicin weakens its action, and ocular cysticercosis is a reason not to use it; drowsiness, dizziness and an upset stomach usually pass within a day. It is a POM.
Basic praziquantel information
- International nonproprietary name (INN): Praziquantel
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Biltricide
- ATC code: P02BA01
- Forms and dosages: 600 mg tablets
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Bayer AG
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Morning vs evening dosing
Patients often wonder about the best time to take praziquantel. Praziquantel is usually taken with a meal and a little water, for example after breakfast, and the tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing. However, specific instructions might differ depending on the condition diagnosed, so it's essential to follow the guidance of your prescriber.Taking with or without meals
Praziquantel is best taken with food, which improves its absorption. Grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to ensure you follow the instructions suited to your condition.
Main indications
Praziquantel is used to treat parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis and tapeworm infections.
Approved uses (MHRA listing)
Praziquantel is recognised as an essential treatment for infections caused by Schistosoma species and various cestodes, particularly Taenia solium. It is the standard treatment for schistosomiasis, and timely treatment can prevent significant health complications.
Off-label uses in UK clinics
Beyond its authorised indications, practitioners sometimes prescribe this drug for infections due to liver flukes, based on clinical judgement.
Praziquantel in community health
The WHO includes praziquantel on its list of essential medicines and considers it a cornerstone of schistosomiasis control programmes.
Delivery availability of praziquantel in major UK cities
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | Merseyside | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | Tyne and Wear | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Coventry | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | East Midlands | 9–21 days |
