Biltricide (Praziquantel)

Do’s

• Take it exactly as prescribed: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage, frequency (usually 3 times a day, 4-6 hours apart), and duration (typically 1 day).
• Take it with a meal: Biltricide works best when taken with food.
• Swallow quickly with water: Swallow the tablets whole or crushed segments with a full glass of water. Avoid chewing or sucking on them due to the bitter taste.
• Follow crushing instructions: If you have trouble swallowing, crush the tablets and mix them with soft food or liquids. Take the mixture within 1 hour.
• Ask your healthcare provider about breaking tablets: If needed, the tablets can be broken for accurate dosing. Consult your healthcare provider for proper breaking instructions.
• Inform your healthcare provider about worsening symptoms: Tell your healthcare provider immediately if your symptoms worsen after starting Biltricide.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust your dosage or schedule: Don't take more or less medication than prescribed, or take it at different intervals.
• Don't take with grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on Biltricide, as it can increase side effects. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Joint/muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Sweating

Serious side effects (seek medical attention if experienced):

• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Irregular/slow heartbeat
• Seizures
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Biltricide,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to praziquantel or other Biltricide ingredients to your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, as Biltricide may be processed differently by your body.

Biltricide may interact with certain heart conditions, especially irregular heart rhythms. Discuss any heart problems with your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had a parasitic eye infection (ocular cysticercosis) or brain infection (cerebral cysticercosis).

Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures, as Biltricide may increase seizure risk.

Biltricide can cause dizziness during and after treatment (up to the next day). Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, machinery) until you feel normal. Limit consumption of both, as they can worsen dizziness with Biltricide.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take before any surgery.

Biltricide should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Biltricide passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding to understand the risks and benefits for you and your baby.