Biltricide [Generic] used to treat parasitic infections like Schistosoma, Clonorchiasis, or Opisthorchiasis, contains Prazinquantel, an anthelmintic that is believed to paralyze and kill the worms causing these infections. The invading parasites are destroyed or expelled as waste by the body. Schistosoma, Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis occur due to exposure to trematodes that abide in freshwater lakes, rivers, and oceans. These worms penetrate the skin and cause infection – Schistosoma, or when people consume fish that is inhabited by worms – Clonorchiasis and Opisthorchiasis.

People residing or travelling to places where parasitic schistosomes – Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma haematobium – infect and grow in freshwater snails, whose eggs are then released in the waters, are at great danger of being infected by these snails’ eggs if they happen to come into contact with them. These trematodes affect people who bathe, swim or wash in these areas. Unfortunately, the schistosoma worms are also an occupational hazard, as people who practice fishing, rice cultivation, or irrigation, become an easy target for these parasites. Schistosoma, also known as "Bilharzia", is widely prevalent in various parts of Africa, South America, Caribbean Islands, almost the entire Middle East, many parts of South-east Asia including southern China, and Japan.

Clonorchiasis, caused by the worm – Clonorchis sinesis – is also called the "Chinese liver fluke disease". It occurs when people eat freshwater fish that contains the fluke larvae. It is not just the consumption of raw fish, but also fish that has been smoked, salted or dried, which can result in Clonorchiasis. Inhabitants of China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea are the worst sufferers; besides travellers to these parts who would like to savour raw or smoked fish in these places where the infection abounds.

Opisthorchiasis is spread by the trematode liver fluke worms – Opisthorchis viverrini and Opisthorchis felineus – and is also known as the "Siberian fluke disease", or "Cat liver fluke disease". This infects all fish eating mammals. Infection in people occurs when raw, pickled or poorly cooked fish takes place. This is also widely prevalent in Eastern Europe – especially Siberia, Thailand, Laos, and other parts of South-east Asia where such cuisine is relished.

These diseases, if not detected or treated on time, can affect other organs of the body and cause serious problems depending upon the severity and length of the primary infection.

Praziquantel is the anthelminthic compound that is said to cause the trematodes to become spasmatic, and slowly die. Strangely, it is considered to be incapable of destroying the younger worms. The worms that do not die, however get immobilized by the drug, and along-with the others, are expelled with waste matter from the body.

Biltricide Generic is available only in a tablet formulation, and is a very bitter medicine. Taking it in between meals can help patients to get over the bitter taste. The tablet should be swallowed whole, as keeping even part of it in the mouth can result in puking or gagging. This treatment is usually for 1 day [at the most 2 days], with doses to be taken every 4-6 hours. Body-weight is taken into account by the gastroenterologist while prescribing the dose. It is important that you do not miss any dose; if you do, then consult your doctor.

The medicine is very effective, and usually well-tolerated, with side-effects disappearing soon. Common side-effects are: general or abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, nausea, feverish feeling or fever, and urticaria. Such side-effects can be more pronounced in those who have been heavily infected. Sometimes the side effects may be due to the infection, rather than the medicine! If the side-effects persist, or worsen, or any uncommon or severe side-effects present themselves such as blood in stools, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, myalgia [muscular pain], seizures, or inflammation of the spine, then you may have to stop taking this drug and should inform the physician immediately.

Since this drug has an effect on the renal function, Praziquantel is not recommended for the geriatric population, as the risk of toxic reaction is greater for them than for others. Pregnant women may take the drug if their gynaecologist permits. Lactating women are advised not to breastfeed their baby on the day they take Biltricide, as well as for the next 72 hours. It is not recommended for children below the age of 4 years. People who drive or operate machinery, or perform any other task that requires them to be mentally alert, should check with their physician if they should refrain from such activities while they are on this therapy, as Biltricide can cause drowsiness, even dizziness.

Before the gastroenterologist puts you on this therapy, inform the physician of all the ailments you’ve had, the entire list of medication you’re taking [including OTC, prescription], nutritional supplements and herbal products being taken by you, and any allergies you have. Praziquantel interacts with a number of other drugs, so your doctor can advise you as to which drugs you should not take with Biltricide. If, you are taking therapy for another medical condition, then you cannot take Biltricide. Make a special mention to the doctor if you have any heart ailment [especially irregular heart rhythm], liver problem, enlarged spleen, or, if you’ve ever suffered from epilepsy or any parasitic brain infection. As parasite destruction within the eye may cause irreparable lesions, ocular cysticercosis cannot be treated with this medicine.

The same medicine is administered to adults and children, but for the latter, you have to consult a pediatrician. Grapefruit juice should not be taken alongwith Biltricide, as grapefruit does not allow proper assimilation of Praziquantel. The medicine should be stored at a room temperature not exceeding 30oC, away from heat, light, moisture and, out of reach of children and pets.

For those who are traveling to places that are known to be full of these trematodes, it would be safer not to swim or wade in fresh water. Drinking water should be boiled [at least for a minute] and/or filtered. Even water used for bathing should be heated for 5 minutes at 150oF to make it risk-free for showering.