Helminthiasis is a dangerous and, unfortunately, a fairly common problem, which in the absence of therapy can lead to complications. Medicine, of course, offers tools that can cleanse the body of parasites. One of them is the drug "Biltricid." Analogues of the drug, patient reviews, mechanism of action and possible side effects - these moments are of interest to many people who have faced such an unpleasant problem.
Description of the composition and form of release
In the pharmacy, the drug "Biltricid" can be purchased in the form of oblong, biconvex tablets of white color, sometimes with a slight yellowish or orange tinge. Tablets are placed in dark glass vials of 6 pieces. The main active component of the drug is praziquantel - each tablet contains about 600 mg of this substance. As for the auxiliary components, the medicine contains magnesium stearate, macrogol 4000, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, corn starch, titanium dioxide and povidone.
How does the drug work? Basic properties
The main active substance of the drug has anthelmintic properties. In particular, it acts on the membranes of helminth cells, increasing its permeability to calcium ions. Such an effect leads to a generalized contraction of the smooth muscles of the parasite. In addition, there is a decrease in glycogen level, inhibition of glucose uptake by parasite cells, as well as an increase in the amount of lactic acid released. The result of this effect is the death of parasites, in particular cestodes and trematodes.
Indications for admission
This medicine is indicated in the treatment of helminth infections, such as, for example, opisthorchiasis. Treatment with Biltricide helps with infection of the human body with different types of schistosomes. Indications for therapy are diseases caused by hepatic and pulmonary flukes, as well as some other types of helminths.
The drug "Biltricid": instructions for use
In no case should you use the medicine on your own. Only after a thorough diagnosis can a doctor prescribe treatment with Biltricid. Instructions for use contain only general recommendations.
Dosage depends on the condition of the patient and the type of parasite. For example, with opisthorchiasis, doctors usually prescribe 25 mg of the active ingredient per kilogram of weight three times a day. The duration of treatment is 1-3 days. The dose for infection with schistosomes is 40 mg / kg once a day, and the treatment is one-day.
The tablet should be swallowed without chewing, washed down with a small amount of water. It is recommended to take the drug before or during meals. If you need to drink the medicine once a day, then it is best to do it in the evening.
Description of contraindications and side effects
Doctors prescribe the drug "Biltricid" to many patients with helminth infections. Its analogues, by the way, are more toxic. Despite the fact that the drug acts on the body sparingly, some restrictions still exist. In particular, it is not prescribed for children under four years of age, as well as for women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contraindications include cysticercosis of the eyes, an allergy to the components of the drug. Therapy cannot be combined with rifampicin. The medicine is used with caution in the presence of cardiac arrhythmias, a decompensated form of liver failure, hepatolienal schistosomiasis.
As for the side effects, they are rarely recorded. Nevertheless, some patients sometimes complain of abdominal pain, the appearance of diarrhea (possibly the presence of blood impurities), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite. Perhaps the development of fever, the appearance of headaches and dizziness. Asthenia, myalgia, arrhythmia, generalized allergic reactions rarely develop. Some adverse reactions are not associated with the effect of the drug on the body, namely with the death of parasites, and therefore, upon completion of therapy, the condition will improve.
The drug "Biltricid": analogues
This medicine is quite popular in modern medical practice. On the other hand, the drug "Biltricid" is not suitable for all patients. Analogues of this tool, of course, exist. For example, in some cases, doctors prescribe medications such as Medamine, Levamisole, Helminthox. In the fight against helminths, such means as Nemozol, Zentel, Dekaris, Mebendazole and some others can be used. In any case, you need to remember that only the attending physician can prescribe an analog.
Patient reviews about the drug
Naturally, many people are interested in the opinions of patients who have already managed to undergo treatment with Biltricid. Reviews are mostly positive. The advantage is that the medicine is usually taken no more than one day. In addition, it can be used to treat children. Side effects are recorded extremely rarely - these are, as a rule, rapidly passing digestive disorders. The disadvantages include the price, which for many patients seems slightly high. On the other hand, many drug analogues are more expensive.