Belicide

Belicide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Belicide is a brand name. Its generic name is Praziquantel.

Introduction

Belicide is an anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication that is utilized to treat certain types of parasitic worm infections. It is a prescription medication, and the formulation for humans is sold under the brand name Biltricide. It is also sold for veterinary use to treat parasitic worm infections in animals.

Uses

Belicide is used primarily to treat infections caused by Schistosoma species of parasites. The most common species that cause infections in humans are Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. mekongi. It is also used to treat cestodes (tapeworms) infections caused by Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid tapeworm), Echinococcus multilocularis (Alveolar tapeworm), and Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm).

Mechanism of Action

Belicide works by interfering with the cell membranes of the parasites, causing them to become permeable. This allows certain ions and molecules to enter the cells that are vital for the parasites to survive. As a result, there is disruption of the parasite’s metabolic pathways, which leads to the death of the parasites.

How Long Does It Take To Work?

The efficacy of praziquantel can vary from one patient to another. Studies suggest that praziquantel quickly kills many helminths within four to eight hours following administration. However, it may take up to seven days to observe the full effect of praziquantel treatment.

Absorption

Belicide is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The peak plasma concentrations are typically achieved around 0.5 to 1.5 hours after ingestion.

Route of Elimination

Belicide is mainly excreted in the urine, with less than 5% being excreted in the feces. The elimination half-life of praziquantel is about 1 to 3 hours.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for adults and pediatric patients is 25mg/kg bodyweight, divided into two doses 12 hours apart and taken with meals. For the treatment of schistosomiasis, the recommended dose is 20mg/kg bodyweight, divided into two doses 6 to 8 hours apart and taken with meals.

It is important to note that the dosage may vary based on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the age and weight of the patient. For more precise dosage requirements, it is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional.

Administration

Belicide is available in tablet, and suspension forms. It can be taken orally with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should never be chewed or crushed.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of praziquantel include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, and headache. Other less common side effects may occur, and some of these may be serious. It is important to seek medical attention if any serious or concerning symptoms occur.

Toxicity

Belicide is generally well tolerated, although adverse events may occur with prolonged exposure. It is not considered to be a toxic drug. The overdose of praziquantel is unlikely, but can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, and hepatitis.

Precautions

Before taking praziquantel, patients should inform their healthcare provider of any other medications or supplements they are taking, especially tizanidine, antibiotics, antiepileptics, sedatives or tranquilizers, blood thinners, cancer medications, antifungal medications, HIV/AIDS medications, narcotic pain medications, and cholesterol medications. Patients with kidney or liver disease should inform their healthcare provider before taking praziquantel.

Interactions

Belicide may interact with certain medications, supplements, and herbal products, such as tizanidine, antibiotics, antiepileptics, sedatives or tranquilizers, blood thinners, cancer medications, antifungal medications, HIV/AIDS medications, narcotic pain medications, and cholesterol medications. Before using any of these drugs or supplements, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions

Belicide may interact with certain illnesses and diseases, such as liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, or HIV/AIDS. Patients with any of these conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before taking praziquantel.

Drug Interactions

Belicide may interact with certain medications, such as tizanidine, antibiotics, antiepileptics, sedatives or tranquilizers, blood thinners, cancer medications, antifungal medications, HIV/AIDS medications, narcotic pain medications, and cholesterol medications. Taking any of these medications with praziquantel may increase, decrease, or alter the effects of either drug. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any of these drugs in combination with praziquantel.

Food Interactions

Belicide should be taken with meals, as food increases the drug absorption. Avoid taking antacids or calcium supplements and dairy products at least two hours before or after taking praziquantel.

Pregnancy Use

The use of praziquantel during pregnancy is not recommended, as its safety in pregnant women has not been adequately studied. Animal studies suggest that the drug may cause harm to the developing fetus. Therefore, it is best to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking praziquantel during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

It is not advised to take praziquantel during lactation, as it is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and may cause harm to nursing infants. The safety of praziquantel in breastfeeding women should be discussed with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking the medication.

Acute Overdose

The symptoms of an acute overdose of praziquantel include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, and headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Contraindications

Belicide should not be taken in case of known hypersensitivity to the drug, or in patients with a history of neurologic disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's, or psychiatric disease. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women, or in people with kidney or liver impairment.

Use Directions

Belicide should only be taken as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider. It is also important to read the patient information leaflet for information on how to take the drug and what to expect. Do not take more than the recommended dosage as this may cause serious side effects.

Storage Condition

Belicide tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Suspension should be refrigerated at between 2°C and 8°C. Keep in the original container and out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of praziquantel in humans is about 0.3 L/kg.

Half-Life

The half-life of praziquantel in humans is about 1 to 3 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of praziquantel is about 0.4 to 0.6 mL/min/kg in humans.

Here you find in details version of Belicide

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Belicide

What is Belicide?

Belicide is an anthelmintic, or anti-worm, medication. It is used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections in humans, including schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia or snail fever), nematode infections, and tapeworm infections.

What is Belicide used for?

Belicide is used to treat infections due to certain parasitic worms, including schistosomiasis, nematode infections, and tapeworm infections.

What is the dosage of Belicide?

The recommended dose of Belicide is typically between 25 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg of body weight given orally or by injection. The exact dosage will depend on the type of infection being treated.

How does Belicide work?

Belicide works by paralyzing and killing the parasitic helminthes, which leads to their expulsion from the body. It is thought to do this by altering the permeability of the parasite's cell membrane, causing an electrophoretic effect that makes the worm vulnerable to destruction.

Is Belicide safe?

Belicide is generally considered safe when taken as directed. It is important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor in order to achieve the best results. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but they are usually mild and do not require medical attention.

What are the side effects of Belicide?

Common side effects of Belicide include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects, such as liver damage, allergic reactions, and blood clotting problems, are rare but may occur. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any side effects while taking Belicide.

How long does it take for Belicide to work?

Belicide begins to work immediately and is effective against most parasitic worms within 2-4 hours of ingestion. However, it may take up to two weeks for the drug to completely eliminate the parasites from the body.

Can I take Belicide while pregnant?

It is not recommended to take Belicide while pregnant as it may have harmful effects on the baby. If you are pregnant and infected with a parasitic worm, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Belicide.

Can I take Belicide with other medications?

Yes, you can take Belicide with other medications. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as certain drugs may interact with Belicide and decrease its effectiveness.

How long does Belicide stay in your system?

Belicide generally has a very short half-life and is quickly cleared from the body. The drug is metabolized by the liver and most of it is eliminated in the feces within 24 hours.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Belicide?

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Belicide, as it may increase the side effects of the medication. If you are taking Belicide it is best to avoid drinking alcohol.

Does Belicide treat all types of worms?

No, Belicide is only effective against certain types of worms including cestodes and trematodes. It is not effective against certain types of nematodes. It is important to talk to your doctor to determine which type of worm you have in order to determine the best course of treatment.

What is the shelf life of Belicide?

Belicide must be stored at room temperature and has a shelf life of two years. It is important to check the expiration date prior to use.

Does Belicide have to be taken with food?

No, Belicide does not have to be taken with food. However, it may be helpful to take it with food in order to prevent stomach upset.

Is Belicide available over the counter?

No, Belicide is not available over the counter. It is available in a prescription form only.

Can Belicide be used to treat canine infections?

Yes, Belicide may be used to treat canine infections caused by certain types of parasitic worms. It is important to consult your veterinarian prior to administering Belicide to your pet.

Are there drug interactions with Belicide?

Yes, Belicide may interact with certain medications and vitamins, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking before taking Belicide.

What are the most common side effects of Belicide?

The most common side effects of Belicide are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, more serious side effects, such as liver damage, allergic reactions, and blood clotting problems, may occur.

Is Belicide safe for children?

Yes, Belicide is generally safe for children when taken according to the directions of the doctor. It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor when giving Belicide to children.

Should I avoid certain foods while taking Belicide?

No, there are no specific foods that you should avoid while taking Belicide. However, it may be helpful to avoid spicy and fatty foods to help reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Will Belicide help with ringworm?

No, Belicide is not effective against ringworm. It is only effective against certain types of parasitic worms.

Can Belicide cure parasitic infections?

Yes, Belicide is effective in curing certain parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and tapeworms. However, it will not cure all types of parasitic infections.

What is the cost of Belicide?

The cost of Belicide varies depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. It is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist for the most current price.

Can Belicide be used to prevent infections?

No, Belicide is not effective for the prevention of parasitic infections. It is only effective in treating existing infections.

Should I be worried about becoming resistant to Belicide?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that taking Belicide over long periods of time will result in becoming resistant to the medication. However, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed in order to achieve the best results.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Belicide?

If you miss a dose of Belicide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

What type of worms can Belicide treat?

Belicide is effective against certain types of parasitic worms, such as cestodes and trematodes. It is not effective against all types of parasites. It is important to talk to a doctor to determine the type of parasitic worm you have in order to know whether or not Belicide is the appropriate treatment.

Is Belicide available as an generic medication?

Yes, Belicide is available as a generic medication. However, it is up to the discretion of the doctor as to which medication they choose to prescribe.

Can I stop taking Belicide if I feel better?

No, you should not stop taking Belicide until your doctor tells you to. Stopping treatment prematurely can cause the infection to worsen or the parasite to become resistant to the medication.

Can Belicide be used to treat other types of infections?

No, Belicide is specifically designed to treat and eliminate parasitic worms from the body. It is not effective against other types of infections.

How soon after taking Belicide will I feel relief?

The effects of Belicide tend to be felt within the first few hours of taking the medication, although it may take up to two weeks for the parasites to be completely eliminated from the body.

Should I avoid certain activities while taking Belicide?

No, there are no specific activities that should be avoided while taking Belicide. However, it is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed in order to achieve the best results.

Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Belicide?

No, it is not recommended to drink grapefruit juice while taking Belicide as it can increase the risk of side effects. It is best to avoid drinking grapefruit juice.

Can I take other medications at the same time as Belicide?

Yes, you can take other medications at the same time as Belicide, but it is important to talk to your doctor first to make sure that there will be no drug interactions. It is also important to take all medications as prescribed.

Can Belicide be taken with antacids?

Yes, it is safe to take Belicide with antacids. However, it is important to talk to your doctor to make sure that the antacid does not interact with other medications you are taking.

Will Belicide interfere with birth control?

No, Belicide does not interact with birth control. However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking birth control and Belicide to make sure that the drugs do not interact in any way.

How long should I wait after taking Belicide before I can bathe or swim?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after taking Belicide before swimming or bathing. This is to ensure that the medication is fully absorbed.

Should I avoid contact with certain people while taking Belicide?

No, there is no need to avoid contact with certain people while taking Belicide. However, it is important to take all medications as prescribed in order to achieve the best results.

Will Belicide cause drowsiness?

No, Belicide does not usually cause drowsiness. However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or other side effects while taking the medication.

Has Belicide been studied in clinical trials?

Yes, Belicide has been studied in numerous clinical trials. It has been deemed safe and effective in treating various parasitic worm infections in humans.