Praziquantel, sold under the brand name Biltricide®, is a prescription medication that kills certain types of worms found in the blood.
Praziquantel and Blood Worms
Praziquantel is an anthelmintic drug, meaning it is specifically designed to combat parasitic worms. It's commonly used to treat schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomes, which reside in blood vessels.
How Praziquantel Works
While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, praziquantel is believed to work by:
- Increasing permeability of the worm's cell membrane: This allows calcium to flood into the worm's cells.
- Causing paralysis: The influx of calcium leads to severe muscle contractions and paralysis of the worm.
- Dislodging the worm: The paralyzed worm detaches from the blood vessel walls.
- Enabling the immune system: The now vulnerable worm becomes susceptible to attack by the body's immune system, leading to its death.
Important Considerations
- Prescription Required: Praziquantel is a prescription medication, meaning it can only be obtained with a doctor's authorization.
- Take with Food and Water: It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication with food and water.
- Side Effects: As with any medication, praziquantel can cause side effects. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
