Efficacy of praziquantel on fasciolopsiasis

A therapeutic study with praziquantel (2-cyclohexylcarbonyl - 1,2,3,6,7, 11b - hexahydro - 4H - pyrazino [2,1-a] isoquinolin-4-one, EMBAY 8440, Biltricide) was carried out in a primary school in Central Thailand. 72 children harbouring Fasciolopsis buski were randomized and were then given single dose of 40, 25 and 15 mg/kg bwt, respectively. Unwanted side effects were mild and transient. They were more frequent after the higher dosages. F. buski flukes with damaged tegument were excreted in stools. Cure rates in all regimens were 100%. The authors recommend a single dose of 15 mg/kg of praziquantel at bed time for the treatment of fasciolopsiasis.