BELHACID

BELHACID
17 May

BELHACID

Anthelmintic

 Praziquantel is an anthelmintic with a broad spectrum of activity against 
   trematodes (flukes) and Cestodes (tapworms ).
- Praziquantel induces a rapid contraction of schistosomes by a specific effect on 
   the permeability of the cell membrane. It cause vacuolization and disintegration 
  of the schistosome tegument.
- Praziquantel is rapidly absorbed after administration by mouth (80% of a dose 
  is reported to be absorbed ), even when taken with a meal. Peak plasma 
  concentrations are achieved 1 to 3 hours after a dose, but there is a pronounced 
  first- pass effect and Praziquantel  undergoes rapid and extensive metabolism in 
  the liver being hydroxylated to metabolites that are thought to be inactive. It,s 
  distributed to the CSF & into breast milk .
- The plasma elimination half-life of  Praziquantel is 1 to 1.5 hours and that of the 
   metabolites, about 80% of the dose being eliminated within 4 days & more than  
  90 % of this in the first 24 hours.

Indecation


* BELHACID® is indicated for the treatment of infections by :-
- Trematodes such as various species of blood flukes Schistosoma haematobium, 
  S.mansoni, S.japonicum S.intercalatum &S. mekongi.  
- Liver flukes (eg: clonorchis sinensis,Opisthorchis viverrini) .
- Lung flukes (eg: Paragonimus westermani & other species ) 
*Also BELHACID® used in the treament of cysticercosis, diphyllobothriasis, 
  hymenolepiasis, taeniasis and intesinal flukes. 

Dosage & Administration

 Dosage must be adjusted to the individual case by the physician.
- Tablets are to be swallowed with some liquid, unchewed and best after a meal.
- If a dose is to be repeated on the same day, the interval between each 
   dose should be 4-6 hours & when used a single daily dose it is recommended to 
   take the tablet in the evening. 
- One oblong tablet has four segments each containing 150 mg active ingredient 
   thus allowing easier and more exact adjustment of the dosage to the patients 
   body weight.

doses taken at 4 hours intervals and the number of tablets needed can be calculated 
  as following :-

 Each tablet of BELHACID® contains :
  Praziquantel      600 mg

BELHACID® is contraindicated in the following cases :-
- Patients with known hypersensitivity  to Praziquantel .
- Patients with infestation of the eyes with the larva of the porker  tapeworm (intra- 
  ocular cysticercosis ).

- Concomitant use of dexamethasone can lead to a reduction of the Praziquantel  
   concentration in the blood.
- The concomitant administration of drug substances which increase drug 
   decomposition in the body (e.g: antiepiliptics ) can reduce the Praziquantel  
   bioavailability.
- The concomitant administration of drug substances which inhibit drug 
   decomposition in the body ( eg: cimetidine ) can lead to increased and prolonged 
   effects of Praziquantel.

 BELHACID® should not be taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Lactating mothers should not breast feed during or for 72 hours after treatment.

 BELHACID® is well tolerated & the side effects are usually mild & transient 
- Most frequently : Headache, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, malaise, abdominal 
  discomfort, nausea, vomiting .
- Occasionally: Hypersensitivty reaction such as fever, urticaria, pruritic & skin rash
- Rarely: Raised liver enzymes .


 Patient should be warned not to drive a car and not to operate machinery on the day 
  of BELHACID® treament and the following day. 
 In case of cysticercosis, hospitaitalization under the care of a specialsit is needed.

 Blisters of 4 tablets, Packs of one blister .

 Store  the drug in a dry place at a temperature below 30°C, protect from light.