PRAZIQUANTEL 600 mg Tablet, Film Coated, 6-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Anthelmintic class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Praziquantel is used to treat schistosoma (infection with a type of worm that lives in the bloodstream) and liver fluke (infection with a type of worm that lives in or near the liver). Praziquantel is in a class of medications called anthelmintics. It works by killing the worms.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Praziquantel treats two types of parasitic worm infections: schistosomiasis, which is caused by blood flukes (a type of flatworm that lives in blood vessels), and liver fluke infec...
- Yes — and that's actually one of the nice things about this medication. The full treatment is three doses taken in a single day, spaced about 4 to 6 hours apart. It's a short, inte...
- Do I really have to take all three doses in one day?
- Don't chew the tablet or hold pieces in your mouth — praziquantel has a very bitter taste that can make you gag or vomit. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water during a meal....
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Supplement & herbal interactions
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII B1QE5P712K
Hypromellose 2208 is a plant-derived thickening agent that dissolves in water. It's used as a binder to help hold tablet ingredients together and as a coating on pills to control how quickly the medicine releases in your body.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII U076Q6Q621
Polyethylene glycol 1000 is a synthetic compound made from ethylene oxide. It serves as a solvent, lubricant, and humectant in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and improve how the product flows and feels.
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UNII FZ989GH94E
Povidone is a synthetic polymer made from a plastic-like material. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach so the medicine can be absorbed.
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UNII 368GB5141J
A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
9 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $53.005 | $318.03 / 6 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $56.65 | $339.89 / 6 tablets |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $60.55 | $363.28 / 6 tablets |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praziquantel 600 mgthis 49884-0231-83 | Par | 6 tablets | $53.005 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Biltricide 600 mg 50419-0747-01 | Bayer | 6 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49884-0231-83 You're viewing this | 6 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (49884-231-83) | 2017-11-27 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Praziquantel tablets are indicated in patients aged 1 year and older for the treatment of the following infections: Schistosomiasis due to all species of schistosoma (for example, Schistosoma mekongi, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium ), and Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis due to the liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis/Opisthorchis viverrini (approval of this indication was based on studies in which the two species were not differentiated) Praziquantel tablets are an anthelmintic indicated in patients aged one year and older for the treatment of the following infections: Schistosomiasis due to all species of schistosoma (for example , Schistosoma mekongi , Schistosoma japonicum , Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium ), and, Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis due to the liver flukes, Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Schistosomiasis : 20 mg/kg body weight 3 times a day separated by 4 to 6 hours for 1 day only. ( 2.1 ) Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis : 25 mg/kg 3 times a day separated by 4 to 6 hours for 1 day only. ( 2.1 ) Take with water during meals.
Do not chew or keep segments in the mouth. ( 2.2 ) For pediatric patients under 6 years of age, the tablets may be crushed or disintegrated and mixed with semi-solid food or liquid. ( 2.2 ) For additional administration instructions see the full prescribing information.
2.1Recommended Dosage Schistosomiasis The recommended dosage for the treatment of schistosomiasis is 20 mg/kg bodyweight administered orally three times a day separated by 4 to 6 hours, for 1 day only. Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis The recommended dosage for the treatment of clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis is 25 mg/kg bodyweight administered orally three times a day separated by 4 to 6 hours for 1 day only.
2.2Administration Take tablets with water during meals. Do not chew or keep the tablets (or parts of tablets) in the mouth; the bitter taste may cause gagging or vomiting. To prevent choking in pediatric patients under 6 years of age, the tablets may be crushed or disintegrated and mixed with semi-solid food or liquid.
Use crushed or disintegrated tablets within 1 hour of mixing. Praziquantel 600 mg tablets have three scores which can be split into four segments at the scores. When broken, each of the four segments contains 150 mg of praziquantel so that the dosage can be adjusted to the patient’s bodyweight.
Segments are broken off by pressing the score (notch) with thumbnails. If one-quarter of a tablet is required, this is best achieved by breaking the segment from the outer end.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Praziquantel tablets, USP contain 600 mg of praziquantel, USP. The tablets are white to off white, film-coated, oblong tablet with three scores coded with “PAR” on one side “231” on the reverse side. Tablets: 600 mg (with three scores (notches) on the tablet) ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Praziquantel is contraindicated in: Patients who previously have shown hypersensitivity to praziquantel or any of the excipients in praziquantel tablets. Patients with ocular cysticercosis; since parasite destruction within the eye that occurs because of hypersensitivity reaction to the dead parasite after treatment may cause irreversible lesions, ocular cysticercosis must not be treated with praziquantel. Patients taking strong Cytochrome P450 3A enzyme (CYP 3A) inducers, such as rifampin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1 , 7.2 )] .
Known hypersensitivity to praziquantel or any of its ingredients. ( 4.1 ) Concomitant administration with strong Cytochrome P450 3A enzyme (CYP 3A) inducers such as rifampin. ( 4 , 5.6 , 7.1 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Clinical Deterioration : Potentially life threatening clinical deterioration can occur in patients treated during the acute phase of schistosomiasis. ( 5.1 ) Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects : Praziquantel can exacerbate central nervous system pathology due to schistosomiasis. Consider whether to administer to individuals reporting a history of epilepsy and/or other signs of potential central nervous systems involvement such as subcutaneous nodules suggestive of cysticercosis.
( 5.2 ) Potential Lack of Efficacy for Acute Schistosomiasis : This has been reported in observational studies ( 5.3 ). Cardiac Arrhythmias: Bradycardia, ectopic rhythms, ventricular fibrillation, and AV blocks has been observed with praziquantel administration. Monitor patients with cardiac arrhythmias during treatment ( 5.4 ).
5.1Clinical Deterioration The use of praziquantel in patients with schistosomiasis may be associated with clinical deterioration (for example, paradoxical reactions, serum sickness Jarisch-Herxheimer like reactions: sudden inflammatory immune response suspected to be caused by the release of schistosomal antigens). These reactions predominantly occur in patients treated during the acute phase of schistosomiasis. They may lead to potentially life-threatening events, for example, respiratory failure, encephalopathy, papilledema, and/or cerebral vasculitis.
5.2Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects Praziquantel can exacerbate central nervous system pathology due to schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis, or Taenia solium cysticercosis. As a general rule, consider whether to administer praziquantel to individuals reporting a history of epilepsy and/or other signs of potential central nervous systems involvement such as subcutaneous nodules suggestive of cysticercosis unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Hospitalize the patient for duration of treatment when schistosomiasis or fluke infection is found to be associated with cerebral cysticercosis.
5.3Potential Lack of Efficacy During the Acute Phase of Schistosomiasis Data from two observational cohort studies in patients indicate that treatment with praziquantel in the acute phase of infection may not prevent progression from asymptomatic infection to acute schistosomiasis, or from asymptomatic infection/acute schistosomiasis into chronic phase.
5.4Cardiac Arrhythmias Bradycardia, ectopic rhythms, ventricular fibrillation, and AV blocks has been observed with praziquantel administration. Monitor patients with cardiac arrhythmias during treatment.
5.5Hepatic Impairment in Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis Patients Reduced hepatic metabolism of praziquantel results in higher and sustained plasma concentrations of unmetabolized praziquantel in patients with liver impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Monitor patients for adverse reactions when administering the recommended dose of praziquantel to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis patients with moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C).
5.6Concomitant Administration with Strong Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inducers Strong Cytochrome P450 3A Enzyme (CYP 3A) Inducers Concomitant administration of strong CYP 3A inducers, such as rifampin, with praziquantel is contraindicated since therapeutically effective levels of praziquantel are unlikely to be achieved. [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Moderate CYP 3A Inducers Avoid concomitant administration of praziquantel with moderate CYP 3A inducers, such as efavirenz, due to risk of a clinically significant decrease in praziquantel plasma concentrations which may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of praziquantel. [ see Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
In patients receiving a clinically significant CYP 3A inducer drug who need immediate treatment for schistosomiasis, alternative agents for schistosomiasis should be considered, where possible. If praziquantel is necessary immediately, i…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious or otherwise important adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Clinical Deterioration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Potential Lack of Efficacy During the Acute Phase of Schistosomiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Cardiac Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hepatic Impairment in Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Concomitant Administration with Strong Cytochrome P450 Inducers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of praziquantel were identified in clinical studies, published literature or postmarketing reports.
Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The following adverse reactions were observed in both adults and pediatric patients: General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise, pyrexia Nervous system disorders: headache, dizziness Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal discomfort, nausea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria Such adverse reactions may be more frequent and/or serious in patients with a heavy worm burden.
Additional adverse reactions reported from worldwide post marketing experience and from publications with praziquantel and various formulations of praziquantel include: Blood and lymphatic system disorders: eosinophilia Cardiac disorders: arrhythmia (including bradycardia, ectopic rhythms, ventricular fibrillation, AV blocks) Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo, tinnitus Eye disorders: visual disturbance Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting General disorders and administration site conditions: polyserositis, asthenia, fatigue, gait disturbance Hepatobiliary disorders: hepatitis Immune system disorders: allergic reaction, generalized hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction Metabolism and nutrition disorders: anorexia Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myalgia Nervous system disorders: convulsion, somnolence, intention tremor Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: pneumonitis, dyspnea, wheezing Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome Pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age treated with praziquantel tablets and various formulations of praziquantel experienced similar adverse reactions as those observed in adult patients.
The adverse reactions reported were malaise, headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort (with or without nausea), pyrexia and urticaria. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Health at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate CYP 3A Inducers : Avoid concomitant administration of moderate CYP 3A inducers, for example, efavirenz ( 5.6 , 7.1 )
7.1CYP 3A Inducers Strong and Moderate CYP 3A Inducers Concomitant administration of praziquantel with Strong and Moderate CYP 3A inducers decrease praziquantel AUC and C max [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] which may reduce the efficacy of praziquantel. Concomitant administration of a Strong CYP 3A inducer, such as rifampin, with praziquantel is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ]. Concomitant administration of a Moderate CYP 3A inducer, such as efavirenz, should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the risks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) .]
7.2CYP450 Inhibitors Concomitant administration of drugs that decrease the activity of drug metabolizing liver enzymes (CYP450 inhibitors), for example, cimetidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, and ritonavir may increase plasma concentrations of praziquantel. In addition, grapefruit juice was also reported to produce a 1.6-fold increase in the C max and a 1.9-fold increase in the AUC of praziquantel. The effect of this exposure increase on the safety of praziquantel has not been systematically evaluated [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ].
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pediatrics : Safety has not been established in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age. ( 8.4 ) Hepatic Impairment: Monitor patients for adverse reactions when administering the recommended dose of praziquantel to hepatosplenic schistosomiasis patients with moderate to severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C). ( 8.6 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Published studies have not identified an association with praziquantel use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . In animal reproduction studies conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits no adverse developmental outcomes were observed with oral administration of praziquantel during organogenesis at approximately 0.65 times (rats) or 1.3 times (rabbits) the highest recommended human daily dose of 75 mg/kg/day, based on body surface area.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data Human Data Two randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted using praziquantel for the treatment of schistosoma infection in pregnant women. In one randomized controlled trial in pregnant women with schistosoma ( S. japonicum) infection, 186 pregnant women were treated with praziquantel compared to 184 women who received placebo. Treatment with praziquantel during pregnancy had no effect on birthweight, and there were no differences in rates of miscarriage, fetal death and major birth defects between the praziquantel-treated and control patients.
In another randomized controlled trial that included 2,507 pregnant women in Uganda, 18% of women were infected with schistosoma infection. Treatment with praziquantel during pregnancy had no effect on mean birth weight, perinatal mortality or major birth defects. In other published studies, including a retrospective observational study, case series and case reports, there have been no reports of major birth defects, stillbirths or other adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with the use of praziquantel during pregnancy.
Animal Data No evidence of fetal harm was observed in rats and rabbits at praziquantel dose levels of 30 to 300 mg/kg body weight given repeatedly by oral administration during the period of organogenesis. These doses were up to 0.65 times (rats) or 1.3 times (rabbits) the highest recommended human daily dose of 75 mg/kg/day, based on body surface area.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary Limited data from published literature reports the presence of praziquantel in human milk at low concentrations. There is no information on the effects of praziquantel in the breastfed infant or effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for praziquantel and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from praziquantel or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and dosing recommendations of praziquantel in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years have been established. Safety of praziquantel in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age has not been established. Post-marketing experience and published literature indicates that pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age treated with praziquantel experience similar adverse reactions as adults treated with praziquantel [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of praziquantel did not include a sufficient number of subjects ages 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Published studies have not identified an association with praziquantel use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data) . In animal reproduction studies conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits no adverse developmental outcomes were observed with oral administration of praziquantel during organogenesis at approximately 0.65 times (rats) or 1.3 times (rabbits) the highest recommended human daily dose of 75 mg/kg/day, based on body surface area.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data Human Data Two randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted using praziquantel for the treatment of schistosoma infection in pregnant women. In one randomized controlled trial in pregnant women with schistosoma ( S. japonicum) infection, 186 pregnant women were treated with praziquantel compared to 184 women who received placebo. Treatment with praziquantel during pregnancy had no effect on birthweight, and there were no differences in rates of miscarriage, fetal death and major birth defects between the praziquantel-treated and control patients.
In another randomized controlled trial that included 2,507 pregnant women in Uganda, 18% of women were infected with schistosoma infection. Treatment with praziquantel during pregnancy had no effect on mean birth weight, perinatal mortality or major birth defects. In other published studies, including a retrospective observational study, case series and case reports, there have been no reports of major birth defects, stillbirths or other adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with the use of praziquantel during pregnancy.
Animal Data No evidence of fetal harm was observed in rats and rabbits at praziquantel dose levels of 30 to 300 mg/kg body weight given repeatedly by oral administration during the period of organogenesis. These doses were up to 0.65 times (rats) or 1.3 times (rabbits) the highest recommended human daily dose of 75 mg/kg/day, based on body surface area.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and dosing recommendations of praziquantel in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years have been established. Safety of praziquantel in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age has not been established. Post-marketing experience and published literature indicates that pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age treated with praziquantel experience similar adverse reactions as adults treated with praziquantel [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of praziquantel did not include a sufficient number of subjects ages 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older patients cannot be ruled out. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney.
Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Praziquantel is an anthelmintic drug [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption After oral administration, 80% of an administered praziquantel dose is absorbed, with maximal serum concentrations of praziquantel achieved 1 to 3 hours after dosing. Elimination Following oral administration of praziquantel, the elimination half-life of praziquantel in serum ranges between 0.8 to 1.5 hours. Metabolism Praziquantel is rapidly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and undergoes a first pass effect after oral administration of praziquantel.
Excretion Approximately 80% of an oral dose of praziquantel is excreted in the kidneys, almost exclusively (greater than 99%) in the form of praziquantel metabolites. Specific Populations Patients with Hepatic Impairment The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel were studied in 40 patients with Schistosoma mansoni infections with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (See Table 1). In patients with schistosomiasis, the pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly between those with normal hepatic function (Group 1) and those with mild (Child-Pugh class A) hepatic impairment.
However, in patients with moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B and C), praziquantel half-life, C max , and AUC increased progressively with the degree of hepatic impairment. In Child-Pugh class B, the increases in mean half-life, C max , and AUC relative to Group 1 were 1.58-fold, 1.76-fold, and 3.55-fold, respectively. The corresponding increases in Child-Pugh class C patients were 2.82-fold, 4.29-fold, and 15-fold for half-life, C max , and AUC.
Table 1: Pharmacokinetic parameters of praziquantel in four groups of patients with varying degrees of liver function following administration of 40 mg/kg of praziquantel tablets under fasting conditions. Patient Group Half-life (hr) T max (hr) C max (mcg/mL) AUC (mcg/mL* hr) Normal hepatic function (Group 1) 2.99 ± 1.28 1.48 ± 0.74 0.83 ± 0.52 3.02 ±
0.59Child-Pugh A (Group 2) 4.66 ± 2.77 1.37 ± 0.61 0.93 ± 0.58 3.87 ±
2.44Child-Pugh B (Group 3) 4.74 ± 2.16 a 2.21 ± 0.78 a,b 1.47 ± 0.74 a,b 10.72 ± 5.53 a,b Child-Pugh C (Group 4) 8.45 ± 2.62 a,b,c 3.2 ± 1.05 a,b,c 3.57 ± 1.30 a,b,c 45.35 ± 17.50 a,b,c a) p<0.05 compared to Group 1 b) p<0.05 compared to Group 2 c) p<0.05 compared to Group 3 Patients with Renal Impairment Excretion of praziquantel following oral administration of praziquantel might be delayed in patients with impaired renal function, but accumulation of unchanged drug would not be expected. Drug Interaction Studies Rifampin (S trong CYP 3A Inducer) In a crossover study with a 2-week washout period, 10 healthy subjects ingested a single 40 mg/kg oral dose of praziquantel following pre-treatment with oral rifampin (600 mg daily for 5 days).
Plasma praziquantel concentrations were undetectable in 7 out of 10 subjects. When a single 40 mg/kg oral dose of praziquantel was administered to these same healthy subjects two weeks after discontinuation of rifampin, the mean praziquantel AUC and C max were 23% and 35% lower, respectively, then when praziquantel was given alone. Efavirenz (Moderate CYP 3A Inducer) In a crossover study, 20 healthy subjects ingested a single 40 mg/kg oral dose of praziquantel following pretreatment with oral efavirenz (400 mg daily for 13 days).
Oral efavirenz reduced the mean praziquantel AUC and C max by 77% (95% confidence interval: 38% to 91%) and 79% (95% confidence interval: 41% to 92%), respectively, when coadministered with praziquantel compared to praziquantel given alone.
12.4Microbiology Praziquantel induces a rapid contraction of schistosomes by a specific effect on the permeability of the cell membrane. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. However, the mechanism of action is unknown. Praziquantel is active against schistosoma (for example, Schistosoma mekongi , Schistosoma japonic…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Praziquantel is an anthelmintic drug [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Praziquantel tablets, USP are supplied as 600 mg tablets containing praziquantel, USP. The tablets are white to off white, film-coated, oblong tablet with three scores coded with “PAR” on one side “231” on the reverse side. Praziquantel tablets, USP 600 mg are available in bottles of 6 tablets (NDC 49884-231-83).
Store at 20 ° to 25 ° C (68 ° to 77 ° F); excursions permitted between 15 ° and 30 ° C (59 ° and 86 ° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Praziquantel, USP is an anthelmintic, trematodicide provided in tablet form for oral administration. Praziquantel, USP is 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a] isoquinolin-4-one with the molecular formula; C 19 H 24 N 2 O 2 . The structural formula is as follows: Praziquantel, USP is a white or almost white crystalline powder.
The compound is stable under normal conditions and melts at 136°C to 142°C. The active substance is non-hygroscopic. Praziquantel, USP is freely soluble in ethanol (96 per cent) and in methylene chloride, practically insoluble in water.
Praziquantel tablets, USP contain 600 mg of praziquantel, USP. Inactive ingredients: corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and hypromellose. chm-str
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise patients to take praziquantel during meals as directed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Advise patients not to chew tablets and to take them with water [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] Advise patients that tablets may be crushed or disintegrated and mixed with semi-solid food or liquid or disintegrated to prevent choking in children under 6 years of age. Crushed or disintegrated tablets should be used within 1 hour of mixing [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ].
Advise patients not to take praziquantel tablets if they are allergic to praziquantel or any of its components [see Contraindications (4) ]. Advise patients not to take praziquantel if they are taking rifampin [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Advise patients not to take praziquantel if they are taking efavirenz [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
Advise patients that the use of praziquantel can be associated with clinical deterioration during the acute phase of schistosomiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Advise patients that praziquantel should not be used if they have epilepsy or other CNS effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Advise patients to report any cardiac irregularities to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ].
Advise patients not to drive a car and not to operate machinery on the day of praziquantel treatment and the following day. Manufactured for: Par Health USA Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 U.S.A. Product of India Made in India Neutral Code: TN/DRUGS/TN00002121 © 2026 Par Health, Inc. or one of its affiliates.
OS231-01-74-04 Revised: 06/2026