Praziquantel tablets

What is this medicine?

PRAZIQUANTEL (PRAZ i KWON tel) is an anti-infective. It is used to treat infections of some parasite worms.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Do not chew, crush, or melt this medicine in the mouth before swallowing. Tablets may be broken at score lines as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody diarrhea

• breathing problems

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever

• seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• aches, pains

• dizzy, drowsy

• headache

• loss of appetite

• stomach upset, nausea

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 if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Store away from heat and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• worm cysts in the eye

• an unusual or allergic reaction to praziquantel, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional to check that the infection is cleared. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. On the day of and on the day after treatment with this medicine, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Practice good hygiene to prevent infection of others. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder linens and undergarments. Scrub toilets often and keep floors clean.