Anthelmintic (anti-worm medicine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Praziquantel is an anti-worm medicine that works by paralysing and killing parasitic worms (like tapeworms and schistosoma worms) living inside your body, so your system can flush them out naturally.
Increases worm cell membrane permeability by binding to calcium channels, causing calcium influx that leads to muscle contraction, paralysis, and detachment of parasites from host tissues. The immobilized worms are then expelled through normal bowel motility.
Schistosomiasis (also called bilharzia or snail fever), tapeworm infection, liver fluke infection, intestinal worms that other dewormers cannot treat
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since praziquantel is usually taken as a short one-day treatment, try not to miss any dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but make sure you still space doses at least 4 hours apart. Do not take two doses at once.
Always buy from a licensed pharmacy. Do not buy from roadside vendors or market sellers, as fake or expired anti-worm drugs are common in Nigeria. Take all the doses your doctor prescribed even if you feel fine after the first dose. If you have been treated for schistosomiasis, your doctor may ask you to do a follow-up stool or urine test to confirm the worms are gone.
Avoid taking praziquantel with rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment) as it can make praziquantel stop working properly. Dexamethasone (a steroid) can also reduce how well praziquantel works. Avoid alcohol on the day you take this medicine as it can increase dizziness and side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Praziquantel with your other drugs?
Praziquantel is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, unless your doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk; breastfeeding mothers should not breastfeed for 72 hours after taking this drug.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid storing near windows or in your car. Keep the tablets in their original pack and away from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.