Niclosamide, marketed under brand names like Niclocide, is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of tapeworm infections such as diphyllobothriasis, hymenolepiasis, and taeniasis.
It works effectively by killing tapeworms in the digestive tract and is generally well-tolerated when used correctly.
What Are the Benefits and Uses of Niclosamide?
Niclosamide is commonly prescribed to eliminate specific tapeworm infections in the intestine.
Niclosamide belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintic, which kill parasitic worms in the body.
It is primarily used to treat tapeworm infections such as large or fish tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm, and beef tapeworm.
Niclosamide can also be used to treat other tapeworm infections if your doctor recommends it.
It is taken orally and does not affect other types of worms, such as pinworms and roundworms.
Niclosamide kills tapeworms when they come into contact with it. The destroyed worms are passed in the stool, although they may not always be visible in the stool.
Niclosamide requires a doctor's prescription.
How Does Niclosamide Work (Mechanism of Action)?
This medicine works by killing tapeworms on contact and preventing them from absorbing nutrients.
Niclosamide disrupts the metabolism of tapeworms, starving them and making them unable to survive. Dead worms are then passed out of the body through the stool, although they may not be visible.
Dosage Instructions for Niclosamide
Always follow your doctor's instructions for the correct dose and timing to ensure full recovery.
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Niclosamide can be taken without food (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). However, taking it after a light meal can help avoid stomach discomfort (e.g: breakfast).
Chew or crush Niclosamide tablets thoroughly before swallowing them whole with a small amount of water.
For children, crush tablets into a fine powder and mix with a small amount of water to form a paste.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for the complete clearance of your infection. Typically, one dose is sufficient, but some patients may need a second dose to fully clear the infection.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Niclosamide?
Take Niclosamide as soon as you remember if you miss a dose. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is approaching. Do not double dose.
What Happens If I Overdose on Niclosamide?
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose of Niclosamide. Symptoms may include:
Niclosamide was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1982 for use in humans to treat tapeworm infection, and it is on the WHO's list of essential medicines. It has been used to treat millions of patients in a healthy manner.
Niclosamide kills tapeworms when they come into contact with it. Adult worms (but not ova) die quickly, probably as a result of oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling or ATPase activity stimulation.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and itchiness are some of the side effects. Dizziness, skin rash, drowsiness, perianal itching, and an unpleasant taste are rare side effects. Praziquantel is a preferable and equally safe remedy for tapeworm infestation for some of these reasons.
Niclosamide is classified as a pregnancy category B drug. There is a scarcity of information on the use of niclosamide in pregnant women. Niclosamide is not believed to be consumed systemically. Only if the possible advantage outweighs the danger to the fetus can niclosamide be used during pregnancy.
Niclosamide kills parasites by blocking their ability to absorb glucose, disrupting energy production and causing their death in the intestines.
Niclosamide is not approved for weight loss. It is used to treat tapeworm infections. Using it for weight loss is unsafe and not recommended. Always consult a doctor.
Niclosamide is generally considered safe in pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy.
It usually works within a few hours to kill the worms, but your doctor may ask for a follow-up test after a few days.
Praziquantel treats a broad range of parasitic worms, including schistosomiasis and liver flukes. Niclosamide is mainly used for tapeworm infections.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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