Medicine

Praziquantel

प्राज़िक्वांटेल

Medically reviewed by Dr Rishikanth Shukla · 2026-08-04

What it is

Praziquantel is a medicine used to treat various worm infections in the body. It requires a prescription in India.

What it is used for

Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by different types of worms, including Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Hymenolepis nana, Diphyllobothrium latum, trematodes, and schistosomes. It works by killing the worms that cause these infections.

Taenia saginata infection
Taenia solium infection
Hymenolepis nana infection
Diphyllobothrium latum infection
Trematode infections
Schistosomiasis

How it works

Praziquantel kills the worms that cause infections by disrupting their cellular processes. This action leads to the death of the worms, which are then expelled from the body. It is effective against a range of parasitic worms that can infect humans.

How it is sold in India

In India Praziquantel comes as tablets.

Common side effects

Most people who take praziquantel experience mild side effects, which may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and headache. These side effects are usually temporary and go away as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should consult your doctor.

See a doctor straight away if

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions, severe abdominal pain, or convulsions. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, stop using praziquantel and consult your doctor.

Who should not take it

Do not take praziquantel if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Do not take it if you have ocular cysticercosis. Consult your doctor before taking praziquantel if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have impaired renal function, cardiac irregularities, or are operating machinery. Avoid taking praziquantel if you are taking rifampin.

Questions people ask

Is it safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before taking praziquantel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I take it with my other medicines?

Consult your doctor before taking praziquantel if you are taking other medicines, especially rifampin.

Is it safe if I have liver or kidney trouble?

Consult your doctor before taking praziquantel if you have impaired renal function.

Does it make you sleepy?

Praziquantel may cause drowsiness, so avoid operating machinery or driving until you know how it affects you.

Brand names

4 medicines sold in India contain Praziquantel.

Brands sold in India include Zenticide, Prazijol, Helminthex, Prazivac. Whichever name is on the strip, the medicine inside is the one described on this page.

Where this comes from

We do not publish doses. How much to take depends on your age, weight and other conditions — ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This page is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. It carries no dosage and no prices.