Niclosamide
Indications
Niclosamide is used for:
Adult Dose
Oral
Pork tapeworm infestation
Adult: 2 g as a single dose after a light breakfast.
Beef or fish tapeworm infections
Adult: 1 g after breakfast and 1 g an hr later.
Dwarf-tapeworm infections
Adult: Initially, 2 g on the 1st day followed by 1 g daily for 6 days.
Child Dose
Oral
Pork tapeworm infestation
Child: <2 yr: 500 mg; 2-6 yr: 1 g. All doses to be taken as a single dose after a light breakfast.
Beef or fish tapeworm infections
Child: <2 yr: 250 mg after breakfast and 250 mg an hr later; 2-6 yr: 500 mg after breakfast and 500 mg an hr later.
Dwarf-tapeworm infections
Child: <2 yr: 500 mg on the 1st day followed by 250 mg daily for 6 days; 2-6 yr: 1 g on the 1st day followed by 500 mg daily for 6 days.
Renal Dose
Administration
Should be taken with food. Take after meals.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Possible increase in adverse effects with alcohol.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Niclosamide :
GI disturbances (e.g. nausea, retching, abdominal pain), lightheadedness, pruritus.
Mechanism of Action
Niclosamide is active against intestinal tapeworms. It inhibits oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria of the worms resulting in energy depletion.