Niclosamide
Mechanism :
Niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in the tapeworm.
Indication :
Contraindications :
Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to niclosamide.
Dosing :
Taenia solium (pork), Taenia saginata (beef), Diphyllobothrium latum (fish):
Oral
Once daily. For the latter 2 tapeworms, could give in 2 divided doses one before breakfast and then 1 hour later.
<2 years: 500 mg
2-6 years: 1 gm
>7 years: 2 gm
Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm):
Oral. Single dose on first day followed by half that dose daily once for the next 6 days.
lnitial dose for <2 years, 2-6 years and 7-18 years are 500 mg, 1 gm and 2 gm respectively.
Adverse Effect :
Nausea, retching and abdominal pain, light-headedness, pruritus.
Interaction :
Alcohol: May possibly increase the side-effects of niclosamide.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.