Niclosamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition, Precautions & More

December 19, 2018

What Is Niclosamide?

Niclosamide belongs to the family of medicines called anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are medicines used in the treatment of worm infections.Niclosamide is used to treat broad or fish tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm, and beef tapeworm infections.

Check out: Netmeds Offers | Medlife Offers | Pharmeasy Offers

Uses Of Niclosamide

Niclosamide is used for treatment of infection due to Taenia saginata, T. solium, Hymenolepis nana and Diphyllobothrium latum.It is not active against the larval form of T. solium (cysticerci).

Know more: Ponstan Uses

How Does Niclosamide Work?

Niclosamide works by killing tapeworms on contact. The killed worms are then passed in the stool. However, you may not notice them since they are sometimes destroyed in the intestine.

How to Take Niclosamide?

Niclosamide tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing and washed down with a little water.

Common Dosage Of Niclosamide

Common adult dosage of Niclosamide is 2g (single dose) per day.

Read more: Cardivas Dosage | Celiprolol Dosage

When to Avoid Niclosamide& Precautions To Take?

There are no known contraindications to the use of niclosamide.

Read more: Becozinc Precaution

Side Effects Of Niclosamide

Common side effects include :

Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Itching of the rectal area
Skin rash
Unpleasant taste

Also read: Amlong Side Effects

Effect on Organs?

Niclosamide is not absorbedsystemically, so it doesn’t affect body organs.

Reported Allergic Reactions?

Allergic reactions to the drug have been reported. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, severe skin rashes, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, fever etc. Seek immediate medical attention in such cases.

Drug Interactions to be careful about?

Niclosamide showsinteraction with the following drugs :

Alosetron
Bendamustine
Duloxetine
Levobupivacaine
Ramelteon
Ropinirole
sodium iodide i-123
Sodium iodide-i-131
Tizanidine

Shows Effects/Results In

The antihelmentic effectof Niclosamide can be seen within 4 to 5 hours after consumption of a single dose.

Storage Requirements for Niclosamide

Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep away from reach of children and pets.

Pro Tips When Taking Niclosamide

Always complete the course of medicine asprescribed by your doctor.

Niclosamide tablets should not be swallowed whole, they are meant to be chewed well before swallowing.

Consume hygienic food to avoid re-infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Niclosamide addictive?

Can I have Niclosamide with alcohol?

Avoid

Any particular food item to be avoided?

Can I have Niclosamide when pregnant?

Yes

Can I have Niclosamide when feeding a baby?

Yes

Can I drive after taking Niclosamide?

Avoid if dizziness occurrs.

What happens if I overdose on Niclosamide?

Seek medical attention upon over dosing of medicine.

What happens if I eat expired Niclosamide?

No major side effect is seen upon consumption of a single dose of expired medicine. However, if you notice any severe side effects, immediately inform your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose of Niclosamide?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose