Praziquantel

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed (80%)

Toxicity

The acute toxicity of praziquantel is relatively low, as demonstrated by oral LD50 values ranging between 200 - 2976 mg/kg in various species.

Description

Praziquantel (PZQ) is an isoquinoline derivative with most of the biological activity found in the levo enantiomer. The compound has no activity against nematodes, but it is highly effective against cestodes and trematodes.

The Uses of Praziquantel

Praziquantel is a potent anthelmintic used against schistosome and many cestode infestations. It is used to study voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and is a potential small molecule neurogenic.

Background

An anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations.

Indications

For the treatment of infections due to all species of schistosoma.

What are the applications of Application

Praziquantel is a highly effective anthelmintic

Pharmacokinetics

Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. Praziquantel effects the permeability of the cell membrane resulting in the contraction of schistosomes. The drug further causes vacuolization and disintegration of the schistosome tegument. The effect is more marked on adult worms compared to young worms. An increased calcium influx may play an important role. Secondary effects are inhibition of glucose uptake, lowering of glycogen levels and stimulation of lactate release. The action of praziquantel is limited very specifically to trematodes and cestodes; nematodes (including filariae) are not affected.

Metabolism

renal