Buy Biltricide Online

Biltricide Information

Introduction

Biltricide is an antiparasitic medication whose active ingredient is praziquantel. Praziquantel belongs to the class of anthelmintic agents that selectively target trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms). In Hong Kong, Biltricide is primarily prescribed for the treatment of schistosomiasis, hepatic and intestinal fluke infections such as clonorchiasis and fascioliasis, and certain tapeworm infestations. The drug is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) and is listed on the Hong Kong Department of Health’s register of approved pharmaceuticals. Its rapid parasiticidal action and single‑dose regimen make it a cornerstone of public‑health interventions for parasitic diseases that remain endemic in parts of Asia, including southern China and neighboring regions where travel‑related cases are diagnosed in Hong Kong hospitals.

What is Biltricide?

Biltricide is a tablet formulation that contains 600 mg of praziquantel per tablet. It is classified as an antiparasitic (anthelmintic) drug. The product was developed by MSD and received regulatory approval in the United States in 1982; it has subsequently been approved in the European Union, Japan, and Hong Kong. While Biltricide is the proprietary brand name, the same active compound is marketed under other well‑known brand names such as Zentel®, Dronal®, and Combantrin® in various regions. The medication is supplied as immediate‑release tablets intended for oral administration.

How Biltricide Works

Praziquantel exerts its antiparasitic effect by increasing the permeability of the parasite’s cell membranes to calcium ions. The resultant intracellular calcium surge leads to rapid muscular contraction, paralysis, and tegumental disruption of the worm. These structural changes expose antigenic surface proteins, facilitating host immune recognition and clearance. The drug’s onset of action occurs within hours after ingestion, and peak plasma concentrations are reached in approximately 1–2 hours. Praziquantel is extensively metabolised in the liver, primarily by CYP3A4, and its elimination half‑life ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, allowing for a single‑dose therapeutic regimen in most indications.

Conditions Treated with Biltricide

• Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) – Infection with Schistosoma spp. (e.g., S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium). In Hong Kong, most cases are imported from endemic regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and mainland China. A single oral dose of 40 mg/kg praziquantel achieves cure rates > 90 % for acute and chronic infections.

• Clonorchiasis – Caused by the Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis, transmitted through raw freshwater fish. The disease is endemic in southern China; occasional cases present in Hong Kong due to dietary habits. The recommended regimen is 25 mg/kg three times daily for 1–2 days (total 75–150 mg/kg).

• Fascioliasis – Infection with Fasciola hepatica or F. gigantica, acquired by ingesting metacercariae on aquatic vegetation. The standard treatment is a single dose of 20 mg/kg, with a repeat dose after 12 hours if necessary.

• Taeniasis – Adult tapeworm infection (e.g., Taenia saginata, T. solium). A single dose of 5–10 mg/kg is sufficient for expulsion of the tapeworm.

• Other Trematode Infections – Including Paragonimus westermani (lung fluke) and Opisthorchis viverrini (Southeast Asian liver fluke). Dosing follows the 25 mg/kg three‑times‑daily schedule for 1 day.

These indications are supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection’s treatment protocols, which recommend praziquantel as the first‑line agent for the listed parasitic diseases.

Patient Groups Most Likely to Benefit

• Travelers and expatriates returning from endemic areas who present with gastrointestinal, hepatic, or urinary symptoms suggestive of fluke or schistosome infection.

• Residents of high‑risk districts in mainland China or the Philippines who frequently consume raw freshwater fish or untreated water.

• Individuals with occupational exposure such as fishermen, rice‑field workers, and agricultural laborers who are at increased risk of contact with contaminated water sources.

• Patients with immunocompromised conditions (e.g., HIV infection, organ transplantation) where prompt eradication of parasitic load reduces the risk of severe disease progression.

• Pregnant or lactating women – While praziquantel is classified as FDA pregnancy category B and WHO deems it safe in the second and third trimesters, use in the first trimester should be considered only when the benefits outweigh potential risks.

Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to praziquantel, severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh class C), and patients receiving concomitant therapy with strong CYP3A4 inducers where drug levels may be sub‑therapeutic.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dyspepsia (usually transient)
• Headache or dizziness
• Fatigue or malaise
• Transient increase in liver enzymes (ALT/AST)

Rare

• Pruritus or rash (possible allergic reaction)
• Myalgia or arthralgia
• Transient leukopenia or thrombocytopenia

Serious

• Anaphylactoid reactions (rare, may occur secondary to massive parasite die‑off)
• Severe hepatitis or hepatic decompensation in patients with underlying liver disease
• Cardiovascular events such as hypotension or arrhythmia (reported in isolated case reports)

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort) → reduced praziquantel plasma concentrations, may compromise efficacy.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, protease inhibitors) → modest increase in drug exposure; dose adjustment usually unnecessary but monitor for toxicity.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital) → may lower praziquantel levels; consider therapeutic drug monitoring if high‑risk seizures.
• Co‑administration with other hepatotoxic agents (e.g., isoniazid) → increased risk of liver enzyme elevation; monitor hepatic function.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all concurrent medications, herbal supplements, and over‑the‑counter products.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard Dosing – For schistosomiasis, an oral dose of 40 mg/kg is given as a single administration, preferably with food to enhance absorption. For liver fluke infections, the regimen is 25 mg/kg three times daily for 1 day (total 75 mg/kg). Pediatric dosing follows the same mg/kg calculations, with tablets split as needed.

• Missed Dose – If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is less than 4 hours away, take the missed dose with the next scheduled dose. If more than 4 hours have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule; do not double‑dose.

• Overdose Management – Acute overdose (e.g., > 150 mg/kg) may cause intensification of gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, and transient hepatic enzyme elevation. Management is supportive: monitor vital signs, administer anti‑emetics as needed, and obtain liver function tests. No specific antidote exists; gastric lavage is rarely indicated if presentation is within 1 hour of ingestion.

• Food and Alcohol – A high‑fat meal modestly increases praziquantel bioavailability; clinicians often advise taking the tablet with a small amount of food. Alcohol consumption does not significantly alter pharmacokinetics but should be limited to reduce hepatic stress.

• Comorbidities – In patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, dose reduction (e.g., 20 mg/kg) may be considered, although data are limited. Close monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.

Buying Biltricide from Our Online Pharmacy

Biltricide can be obtained conveniently through our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the medication directly from licensed international wholesalers who comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring the product matches the quality of the original MSD‑manufactured tablets.

• Affordable Pricing: Our cost structure is near‑manufacture, allowing us to offer Biltricide at a price markedly lower than most retail pharmacies.
• Verified Quality: Every batch is verified by third‑party laboratories for potency, purity, and compliance with pharmacopeial specifications.
• Guaranteed Delivery: Orders are dispatched discreetly within 24 hours. Standard express shipping reaches most Hong Kong districts in 7 days, while regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks) is available for remote locations.
• Online‑Only Access: For patients who face limited availability through local pharmacies or whose insurance does not cover antiparasitic agents, our pharmacy broker service connects you with reputable overseas suppliers while maintaining strict privacy protections.

By choosing our online pharmacy, patients gain a reliable, cost‑effective pathway to access Biltricide for timely treatment of parasitic infections.

FAQ

• Is Biltricide available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. Biltricide is the proprietary brand marketed by MSD, while generic praziquantel tablets—identical in active ingredient and strength—are supplied by several local manufacturers. Generic versions are typically less expensive and are approved by the Hong Kong Pharmacy Board.

• Does Biltricide require refrigeration or special storage conditions?
  No. Biltricide tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C), protected from excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and heat. A bathroom cabinet is acceptable provided it remains dry.

• What type of packaging does Biltricide come in when ordered online?
  The medication is shipped in a sealed, tamper‑evident cardboard box containing blister‑packed tablets (usually 1 g tablets). An outer protective envelope ensures privacy and safeguards the product during transit.

• Can Biltricide be legally imported into Hong Kong for personal use?
  Personal import of prescription medicines is permitted under Hong Kong customs regulations if the quantity does not exceed a 30‑day supply and the importer holds a valid prescription. Our online pharmacy provides a professional prescription upon request from a licensed Hong Kong clinician, facilitating lawful import.

• Are there any specific safety warnings for Asian populations taking Biltricide?
  No ethnic‑specific contraindications have been identified. However, individuals with underlying hepatobiliary disease, which is more prevalent in some Asian communities, should undergo baseline liver function testing before therapy.

• Do formulation differences exist between regions (e.g., US vs EU vs Asia)?
  The active ingredient (praziquantel) and tablet strength (600 mg) are consistent worldwide. Regional differences may involve excipients such as fillers or coating agents, but these do not affect efficacy or safety.

• Is Biltricide suitable for use in telemedicine‑based treatment plans?
  Yes. Telehealth consultations can assess clinical indication, calculate the appropriate dose, and provide a legitimate prescription. Our online pharmacy accepts telemedicine prescriptions and ships the medication directly to the patient’s address.

• How long does it take for symptoms to improve after taking Biltricide?
  Gastro‑intestinal discomfort usually resolves within 24 hours as the parasites die. For schistosomiasis, reduction in urinary or hepatic symptoms may be observed within a few days, although a follow‑up stool or urine examination is recommended 4–6 weeks later to confirm cure.

• Can Biltricide be taken together with anti‑helminthic drugs such as albendazole?
  Concurrent use is generally safe, but clinicians may stagger administration to avoid overlapping adverse effects. Albendazole is primarily effective against nematodes, while praziquantel targets flukes and tapeworms; combination therapy may be indicated in mixed infections.

• What documentation is provided with the shipment for customs clearance?
  Each order includes a commercial invoice, a certificate of analysis, and a copy of the prescribing clinician’s approval. These documents satisfy Hong Kong customs requirements for medicinal imports.

Glossary

Praziquantel

The active antiparasitic compound in Biltricide; a synthetic pyrazino‑isoquinoline that causes calcium‑mediated paralysis of flukes and tapeworms.

Fluke (Trematode)

A class of parasitic flatworms that live in the body’s ducts or blood vessels; examples include Schistosoma spp. and Clonorchis sinensis.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a drug that enters systemic circulation unchanged after oral administration; for praziquantel, a fatty meal can increase absorption by up to 30 %.

CYP3A4

A liver enzyme responsible for metabolising many drugs, including praziquantel; its activity can be altered by other medications, affecting praziquantel levels.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Biltricide is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Biltricide for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.