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Introduction
Parasitic worm infections continue to burden millions
worldwide, especially in areas with limited sanitation and access to
healthcare. Among the effective treatments available, Praziquantel stands out
as an essential anthelmintic, fighting a wide spectrum of trematode and cestode
infections.
Biltree
600 is one such formulation—each tablet delivering 600 mg of
Praziquantel—manufactured in India by Kachhela. As an accessible and potent
solution, Biltree 600 plays a vital role in combating parasitic diseases such
as schistosomiasis, tapeworm infections, and other worm infestations.
What Is Biltree 600?
Biltree 600 is an oral tablet containing 600 mg of
Praziquantel, an active antihelminthic
agent. Produced by Kachhela in India, it's marketed as Biltree and used to
tackle a range of parasitic infections—from trematodes (flukes) to cestodes
(tapeworms).
Mechanism of Action
Praziquantel disrupts parasite physiology by altering the
permeability of their cellular membranes to calcium ions. This influx triggers
intense muscle contractions, paralysis, and ultimately dislodgement of the
parasites from their host, after which the immune system or digestive processes
eliminate them. Essentially, by paralyzing and detaching the parasites,
Praziquantel clears infestations effectively.
Why Biltree 600 Matters?
Biltree 600 (Praziquantel 600 mg) offers a potent,
accessible treatment against parasitic worm infections—one of the world's most
persistent public health concerns. Backed by a strong safety profile and
versatility in administering (via weight-based prescriptions or height-based
mass treatment), it's a crucial tool in global intervention and control
efforts.
That said, medical guidance is essential: dosing must be
tailored and side effects monitored. Special populations such as pregnant or
breastfeeding individuals, those with liver disease, or those on interacting
medications warrant cautious management.
In summary, Biltree 600 represents an effective, widely used
therapeutic for parasitic infections. It reflects how thoughtful medicine
design, aligned with robust distribution strategies, can significantly mitigate
disease burden globally.
Indications & Uses
Biltree 600 is prescribed for a variety of parasitic
infections, including:
- Schistosomiasis,
caused by blood fluke species such as Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma
haematobium
- Liver
fluke infections like clonorchiasis (Clonorchis sinensis) and
opisthorchiasis (Opisthorchis viverrini)
- Tapeworm
infections and cases like cysticercosis and echinococcosis
- Other
trematode/cestode infections affecting humans and (in veterinary
formulations) animals.
General Human Use
- For
schistosomiasis, the recommended dose is 20 mg/kg body weight,
administered orally three times a day at 4–6 hour intervals, all in a
single day.
- For
clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis, a slightly higher dose of 25 mg/kg
three times a day (similarly spaced) is advised.
Mass Drug Administration
- In
community-wide programs targeting schistosomiasis, 600 mg tablets are
often distributed based on body height, especially for children aged 6 and
above.
It’s essential to take Biltree 600 during or after meals,
preferably with water, and to avoid grapefruit juice, which can reduce drug
effectiveness.
Safety & Precautions
- Eye
cysticercosis is a critical contraindication—treatment may cause
irreversible ocular damage.
- Patients
taking rifampicin (for tuberculosis) should avoid coadministration, as it
significantly reduces Praziquantel levels.
Drug Interactions
- Enzyme-inducing
drugs like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and
dexamethasone can reduce Praziquantel's bioavailability; use is not
recommended.
- Cimetidine,
ketoconazole, itraconazole, and erythromycin may increase drug levels,
while chloroquine may lower them.
- Avoid
grapefruit juice on the day of treatment.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Treating
pregnant women in endemic regions is supported; benefits outweigh risks,
and the drug is generally safe through all trimesters.
- Breastfeeding
is discouraged on the day of treatment and for the following 24 hours to
limit infant exposure.
Driving & Machinery
- Potential
side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or seizures indicate that
patients should avoid driving or using heavy machinery on treatment day.
Side Effects & Monitoring
May affect more than 1 in 10 patients and include:
- Headache,
dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and rash/itching.
- Vertigo,
somnolence (sleepiness), loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain,
and general malaise.
- Severe
allergic reactions, seizures, polyserositis, arrhythmias, bloody diarrhea,
and elevated liver enzymes.
In populations with heavy worm burdens, reactions may be
more frequent or intense, often linked to immune responses following parasite
death rather than the drug itself.
Storage & Handling
Store Biltree 600 in a cool, dry place, away from direct
sunlight, and below 30 °C. Keep it tightly sealed and out of reach of children.
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