Flexyx

Flexyx drugs: Biltricide

Biltricide - General Information:

An anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. [PubChem]

Pharmacology:

Biltricide is an anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. Biltricide effects the permeability of the cell membrane resulting in the contraction of schistosomes. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. The effect is more marked on adult worms compared to young worms. An increased calcium influx may play an important role. Secondary effects are inhibition of glucose uptake, lowering of glycogen levels and stimulation of lactate release. The action of praziquantel is limited very specifically to trematodes and cestodes; nematodes (including filariae) are not affected.

Biltricide for patients

Biltricide Interactions

No data are available regarding interaction of BILTRICIDE® with other drugs.

Biltricide Contraindications

BILTRICIDE® should not be given to patients who previously have shown hypersensitivity to the drug. Since parasite destruction within the eye may cause irreparable lesions, ocular cysticercosis should not be treated with this compound.

Additional information about Biltricide

Biltricide Indication: For the treatment of infections due to all species of schistosoma.
Mechanism Of Action: Biltricide works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the worms' muscles. This paralysis is accompanied - and probably caused - by a rapid Ca 2+ influx inside the schistosome. Morphological alterations are another early effect of praziquantel. These morphological alterations are accompanied by an increased exposure of schistosome antigens at the parasite surface. The worms are then either completely destroyed in the intestine or passed in the stool. An interesting quirk of praziquantel is that it is relatively ineffective against juvenile schistosomes. While initially effective, effectiveness against schistosomes decreases until it reaches a minimum at 3-4 weeks. Effectiveness then increases again until it is once again fully effective at 6-7 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), an essential detoxification enzyme in parasitic helminths, is a major vaccine target and a drug target against schistosomiasis.
Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine Markedly lower praziquantel levels
Chloroquine Markedly lower praziquantel levels
Phenytoin Markedly lower praziquantel levels
Rifampin Significant decrease in praziquantel level
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Praziquantel
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Anthelmintics
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Praziquantel: Biltricide;
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed (80%)
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: 80 to 85%
Biotransformation: renal
Half Life: 0.8-1.5 hours (in serum)
Dosage Forms of Biltricide: Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-(cyclohexanecarbonyl)-3,6,7,11b-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazino[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one
Chemical Formula: C19H24N2O2
Praziquantel on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praziquantel
Organisms Affected: Not Available