Biltricide (Praziquantel) is a popular anthelmintic employed in most schistosome and numerous cestode plagues. It sets up the permeableness of the cell membrane leading to the compression of schistosomes. The drug farther induces vacuolization and decomposition of the schistosome skin. The impression is more pronounced on adult worms in comparison to young worms. An augmented calcium inflow may play a significant part. Secondary outcomes are suppression of glucose intake, getting down of glycogen levels and stimulation of lactate release. The action of Praziquantel is confined exclusively to trematodes and cestodes. Nematodes (including filariae) are not affected.

Praziquantel was formulated in the research labs for parasitological study of Bayer AG in Germany (Elberfeld) in the mid 1970s. The World Health Organization (WHO) has included it on its Model List of Essential Medicines.

Biltricide (Praziquantel) acts by inducing serious spasms and paralysis of the worms' muscles. This paralysis is attached to and possibly caused by a fast Ca 2+ inflow within the schistosome. Morphological changes are another early consequence of Praziquantel. These morphological changes are followed by an amplified revelation of schistosome antigens at the parasite surface. The worms are then either entirely destructed in the intestine or passed in the stool. An exciting peculiarity of Dostinex (Praziquantel) is that it is comparatively ineffectual against young schistosomes. While originally effective, potency against schistosomes falls until it attains a minimum at 3-4 weeks. Effectiveness then goes up once again until it is again amply effective at 6-7 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), an all-important detoxification enzyme in parasitic worms, is a chief vaccine target and a drug target against schistosomiasis.

Biltricide (Praziquantel) should not be administered to patients who in the past have indicated hypersensitivity to the drug. As parasite wipeout within the eye may have permanent lesions, ocular cysticercosis should not be treated with this chemical compound.

There are several drugs that interact with Dostinex (Praziquantel) and bring its level down. These drugs include Carbamazepine, Chloroquine, Phenytoin, Rifampin and many others.

Biltricide (Praziquantel) is typically administered three times in a day with a beverage during a meal. There must be a time interval of 4 to 6 hours between doses. Swallow the pills in whole without chewing or crushing them. Comply with the guidelines of your doctor and take Praziquantel just as directed by the doctor. It is provided in 600mg tablet form. You should stay away from fasting, laxatives and purging as these things won’t help in curing your infection. Biltricide (Praziquantel) should be stored at room temperature away from heat and dampness.