Pyrantel

Information about Pyrantel

Praziquantel is an antihelmintic agent with activity against a broad spectrum of trematodes and cestodes that is used predominantly in the therapy of schistosomiasis, liver flukes, and cysticercosis.

Liver safety of Pyrantel

Praziquantel therapy has been reported to cause serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy, but clinically apparent liver injury after its use is rare if it occurs at all.

Mechanism of action of Pyrantel

Praziquantel (praz" i kown' tel) is a heterocyclic prazino-isoquinoline derivative with a broad spectrum of activity against several trematodes (Fasciola, Schistosoma) and cestodes (Taenia). Praziquantel is believed to act by interference with tegument calcium transport, resulting in paralysis of the parasitic worms with subsequent loss of adherence to tissue, degradation and expulsion.

FDA approval information for Pyrantel

Pyrantel was approved for use in the United States in 1982 for schistosomiasis. Praziquantel is also commonly used in veterinary medicine.

Dosage and administration for Pyrantel

Praziquantel is available for human use in tablets of 600 mg generically and under the brand name BiltricideThe typical dose for treating schistosomiasis in adults is 20 mg/kg (depending upon the species) three times over one day.

Side effects of Pyrantel

Side effects are common but transient, and include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, muscle aches, drowsiness, headaches and fatigue, some of the symptoms being due to its effects on the parasites.

The following are antihelmintic agents 

• Albendazole
• Ivermectin
• Mebendazole
• Nitazoxanide
• Pentamidine
• Praziquantel
• Pyrantel
• Thiabendazole

• Dailymed label info on Pyrantel
• FDA Pyrantel