Niclosamide is a member of the class known as antihelmintic. Anthelmintics are medicines used to control worm infestations.
Niclosamide can be used to treat tapeworm infections in beef, fish, and wide-ranging tapeworms. If your doctor suggests it, you can also use Niclosamide to treat other types of tapeworm infections. It is not effective against other types of worm infestations, such as pinworms and roundworms.
Tapeworms are killed by Niclosamide when they are touched. Once the worms have been killed, they are passed on to the stool. You may not be able to see them because they are sometimes eliminated from the stomach.
Niclosamide can only be purchased with prescription from a doctor.
Before using niclosamide
The benefits and dangers of taking a drug must be considered when deciding whether to use it. This decision will be made by you and your doctor. Here are some things to consider when using niclosamide
Allergies
If you have ever experienced an unusual or adverse reaction to niclosamide, or any other medication, inform your doctor. If you are allergic to animals, foods, colors or preservatives, tell your doctor. Pay attention to the package or label contents when you purchase non-prescription products.
Pediatric Niclosamide was tested in a limited number of children aged 2 and older. It has not been shown to cause side effects in children or other problems in adults.
Geriatric
Senior adults have not had their medications examined extensively. It is not known if these medications work in the same way in elderly adults, or if they cause side effects or other problems. It is not known if niclosamide can be used in elderly patients or in other age groups.
Nursing studies in women have shown that this medication is safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Interactions with medication
While some drugs should not be taken together, you can still use two different medicines together even if there is an interaction. Your doctor may adjust the dose or recommend additional measures in certain cases. If you’re taking any prescription (or nonprescription) medication, tell your doctor.
Interactions between food/tobacco/alcohol
Some drugs shouldn’t be taken while eating or drinking certain types of food. Interactions may occur. Interactions can also occur if you smoke or drink while taking certain medications. Talk to your doctor about the possible interactions between your medication and food, drink, or cigarettes.
Correct use of niclosamide capsules
There are no special preparations or additional measures that must be taken before, during, and soon after taking niclosamide.
Niclosamide can be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hrs after eating. It is best to take Niclosamide after eating a light meal, such as breakfast, in order to avoid stomach upset.
Before swallowing niclosamide pills, chew or break them up well. To give niclosamide to children, crush the tablets to make a powder. Then mix it with some water to create a paste.
Patients who receive niclosamide to treat beef tapeworms or wide tapeworms as well as fish tapeworms are:
To help heal your infection completely, you should only take niclosamide as directed by your doctor. One dose is usually sufficient. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for the patient to take a second dose of niclosamide in order to completely eliminate the symptoms.
Patients receiving niclosamide treatment for dwarf tapeworms
Even if you feel better after a few days of treatment, it is important to continue taking niclosamide throughout the therapy period (typically seven days). This will help eliminate your infection completely. Sometimes, it may be necessary for you to take a second dose of niclosamide in order to completely eliminate the infection. Your infection may reappear if you stop taking niclosamide too soon. Do not skip any doses. Tapeworm infections can cause minor or no symptoms.
Dosing
The patient’s individual needs will determine the dosage of niclosamide. Follow the instructions on the label or your doctor’s prescriptions. These data are only average niclosamide doses.
The drug’s potency determines how much medication you take. The medical condition for which you are taking medication will determine the dosages and duration of the medication you take.
Adults – 2 grams for a single dose of beef or fish tapeworm oral dosage form (tablets). The treatment can be repeated if necessary within seven days.
Children: Your doctor will determine the dose for you based on your body weight.
For children between 11 and 34 kg (24.2 to 74.8 lbs), 1 gram is a single dose. The treatment can be repeated if necessary within seven days.
1.5 grams is the recommended daily dose for children weighing over 34 kg (74.8 lbs). The treatment can be repeated if necessary within seven days.
Adults should consume 2g per day for dwarf tapeworm. This treatment is for seven days. The treatment can be repeated if necessary in 7-14 days.
Children: Your doctor will determine the dose for you based on your body weight.
For children weighing between 11 and 34 kg (24.2 to 74.8 lb), 1 gram is given on the first day. For the next six days, 500 mg (mg), once per day, is recommended. The treatment can be repeated if necessary in 7-14 days.
1.5 grams for toddlers who weigh more than 34kg (74.8 lbs) on their first day. For the next six days, you should take 1 gram per day. The treatment can be repeated if necessary in 7-14 days.
Dose omitted
You should take niclosamide as soon as you can if you have missed a dose. You can skip the missed dose if your next dose is near. Do not take two doses.
Storage
Keep the medication at room temperature in an airtight container, away from moisture and heat. Avoid freezing.
Keep your children away from your reach.
Don’t keep expired or no longer needed medications.
Take care when taking niclosamide
Your doctor should keep you updated on your progress. This will ensure that the virus is completely eradicated.
If your symptoms don’t improve in a few days, or worsen, consult your doctor.
Side effects of niclosamide capsules
Unintended side effects can occur when a drug is not intended to be used. While not all adverse effects can be expected, they could require medical attention.
There may be some side effects that are not serious and do not require medical attention. These side effects can disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. These side effects may disappear as your body responds to the medication. Your doctor might also be able advise you how to prevent or minimize them. If any of these side effects persist, become troublesome, or you have concerns about them, consult your doctor immediately.
It is much less common.
Cramps and discomfort in the stomach or abdomen
Diarrhea can cause a lack of appetite
Nilght or vomiting
Rare
Lightheadedness, dizziness, and/or drowsiness
Itching in the lower abdomen
skin rash disagreeable flavor
Some people may experience other adverse effects not listed. If you notice any side effects, consult your doctor.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects, you can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
