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Drugs five years later: praziquantel
1Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|February 15, 1989
Summary
Praziquantel is a key antihelminthic drug, effective against many parasitic infections. However, its mechanism of action remains unknown, and cost limits its use in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Praziquantel is an essential antihelminthic medication.
- Its introduction marked a significant advance in treating previously untreatable parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in praziquantel's pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, clinical use, and side effects.
- Focus on the 5 years following its US introduction.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and TOXLINE (1983-1988).
- Inclusion of textbook and review article data.
- Independent assessment of study quality and significance.
Main Results:
- Praziquantel's pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy are well-documented.
- Mechanism of action against parasites remains elusive despite extensive research.
- Expanded clinical use to various fluke and cestode infections, including neurocysticercosis.
- Demonstrated efficacy against previously untreatable parasites.
Conclusions:
- Praziquantel is the preferred treatment for most human trematode and cestode infections.
- Cost remains a significant barrier to its widespread use in developing countries.
- Older, cheaper agents may be more cost-effective for specific schistosomiasis control programs.
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