Several precautions have to be taken before the intake of praziquantel. The doctor should be informed if you are suffering from seizures, headaches, confusion, lumps under skin, kidney disease, heart disease or liver disease. If you are suffering from any of the above, then this medicine should be avoided. The intake of praziquantel should also be avoided by pregnant mothers as it may mix with the breast milk and may cause harm to the baby. So the doctor should have full knowledge about your body before he prescribes you this medicine.
Side effects:
The majority of side effects develop due to the release of the contents of the parasites as they are killed and the consequent host immune reaction. The heavier the parasite burden, the heavier and more frequent the side effects normally are.
Central nervous system: Frequently occurring side effects are dizziness, headache, and malaise. Drowsiness, somnolence, fatigue, and vertigo have also been seen. Almost all patients with cerebral cysticercosis experience CNS side effects related to the cell-death of the parasites (headache, worsening of pre-existing neurological problems, seizures, arachnoiditis, and meningism). These side effects may be life-threatening and can be reduced by coadministration of corticosteroids. It is strongly recommended that all patients with cerebral cysticercosis are hospitalized during treatment.
GI Tract: Approximately 90% of all patients have abdominal pain or cramps with or without nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea may develop and may be severe with colic. Sweating, fever, and sometimes bloody stools may occur together with diarrhea.
Liver: Asymptomatic and transient increases of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) are noted frequently (up to 27%). No case of symptomatic liver damage has ever been seen so far.
Sensitivity reactions: Urticaria, rash, pruritus and eosinophilia in white blood cell counts
Other locations/body as a whole: Lower back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, fever, sweating, various cardiac arrhythmias, and hypotension