Introduction

Name

• Praziquantel.

Class of drug

• Prazinoisoquinolone derivative.
• Broad-spectrum anthelmintic.

Description

Chemical name

• 2-cyclohexycarbonyl-[1,2,3,6, 7, lib]-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino [2,1-a] isoquinoline-4-one.

Molecular formula

• C₁₉H₂₄N₂O2.

Molecular weight

• 312.41.

Physical properties

• White to practically white, hygroscopic, bitter tasting, crystalline powder, either odorless or having a faint odor.
• Insoluble in water and relatively soluble in alcohol.

Storage requirements

• Store at room temperature, in tight containers and protected from light.

Uses

Indications

• Remarkable range of activity.
• Active against trematodes, cestodes, lung flukes and schistosomal infections. Most commonly used for cestodes (tapeworms) Chelonia parasitology overview Lizard parasitology overview Snake parasitology overview.
• Relatively expensive drug.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Watson M (2009) Praziquantel. J Exotic Pet Med 18 (3), 229-231 ExoticPetMed.
• Schilliger L, Betremieux O, Rochet J et al (2009) Absorption and efficacy of a spot-on combination containing emodepside plus praziquantel in reptiles. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire 160 (12), 557-561 VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Meredith A (2015) Ed. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Part B: Exotic Pets. 9th edn. BSAVA, UK. pp 338.
• Plumb D (2015) Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 8th edn. Wiley Blackwell, USA. pp 1296.
• Carpenter J W & Marion C J (2013) Exotic Animal Formulary. 4th edn. Saunders, USA.
• Girling S J & Raiti P (2004) BSAVA Manual of Reptiles. BSAVA, UK. pp 383.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.