Biltricide, the brand name for praziquantel, is a widely used antiparasitic medicine. People most often get it for trematode (fluke) and cestode (tapeworm) infections — think schistosomiasis and taeniasis. It kills the parasites by paralyzing them, so your immune system can clear the infection.
Praziquantel changes parasite cell membranes and causes muscle spasm in worms. That sounds technical, but the result is simple: the parasites detach from tissues and are removed. Doctors commonly prescribe it for schistosomiasis, liver fluke, and intestinal tapeworms. For more complex cases like neurocysticercosis (tapeworm in the brain), longer courses and specialist care are needed.
Dosing varies by infection and weight. For many intestinal tapeworms, a single low dose (around 5–10 mg/kg) may be enough. For schistosomiasis, standard regimens often total about 40 mg/kg given as one or divided doses. Serious central nervous system infections use higher daily doses over several weeks. Always follow your prescriber’s exact instructions — these numbers are only typical ranges, not a prescription.
Take Biltricide with food to reduce stomach upset and help absorption. You might feel nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, or mild fever after treatment — those are common and usually short-lived. If you notice severe allergic reactions, high fever, or neurological symptoms after taking it, contact a doctor right away.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: many guidelines advise caution. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your provider. For children and older adults, dosing is weight-based, so accurate weight matters.
Drug interactions matter. Some medicines that speed up liver enzymes (like rifampicin) can lower praziquantel levels and reduce effectiveness. Drugs that slow liver breakdown (like cimetidine) can increase levels. Tell your clinician about any other medicines, herbal products, or strong enzyme inducers you use.
Buying and safety: Biltricide usually requires a prescription in most countries. Get it from licensed pharmacies and avoid unknown online sellers — counterfeit drugs can be dangerous. If you find a price that seems too good to be true, double-check the source and ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Follow-up matters. Some infections need testing after treatment to confirm the parasite is gone. If symptoms persist or return, see your clinician — you may need a repeat dose or a different therapy.
If you want more on antiparasitic options or dosing, check our guides like the levamisole dosage article and other treatment comparisons. Questions about symptoms, tests, or where to get safe meds? Ask your healthcare provider — and keep a clear record of medicines you take to avoid interactions.
Get to know Biltricide—its uses, how it works for tapeworms and schistosomiasis, side effects, safety tips, dosage, and real-life advice for patients.