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Side Effects of Praziquantel

Praziquantel is the name of a prescription medication that is used to treat worm infections. It is an anthelmintic. It also treats blood fluke infections, which are also called schistosomiasis, snail fever and bilharziasis. The medication works by producing strong spasms and then paralyzing the muscles of the worms. As with any medication, there are some possible side effects associated with taking Praziquantel.

  1. Most Common Side Effects

    • Some very common side effects of using Praziquantel include headache, fever, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, appetite loss, excessive sweating, nausea, throwing up, fever and drowsiness. These side effects are usually considered to be minor and subside quickly.

    Rarer Side Effects

    • There are some less common Praziquantel side effects that are usually considered to be mild, as well. These include signs of an allergic reaction, such as itchiness, skin rash and breaking out into hives. Some people might also experience less common effects like spinning sensations, strength loss, a feeling of perpetual motion and unusual sleepiness.

    Severe Side Effects

    • There are side effects to taking Praziquantel that are considered to be possibly more serious. People should seek medical help if they experience severe side effects, like hoarseness, extreme chest pain, joint stiffness, swelling or pain, skin redness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, abnormal heartbeat (either too fast or too slow), fainting, having a hard time swallowing or breathing, wheezing, swelling and seizures.

    Seizure Medications

    • Some drugs might have a negative effect on Praziquantel, or reduce its effectiveness. Some medications simply must not be taken alongside Praziquantel, such as seizure medicines like mephenytoin, phenytoin and ethotoin.

    Chloroquine

    • Chloroquine is an antimalarial medication. When chloroquine is taken simultaneously alongside Praziquantel, it is known to result in significantly reduce concentrations of Praziquantel in the blood, thus possibly lowering the medication's effectiveness.

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