Praziquantel, oxamniquine, and metrifonate in the treatment of schistosomiasis in Riyadh

ABSTRACT

This study sought to compare the effectiveness and side effects of praziquantel versus oxamniquine in treating 200 patients with schistosoma mansoni infection and praziquantel versus metrifonate in treating 100 patients with S. haematobium infection. Praziquantel and oxamniquine were given in single doses of 40 mg/kg body weight and 25 mg/kg, respectively. Metrifonate was given doses of 10 mg/kg, and repeated three times at fortnight intervals. In s. mansoni infections, the cure rate was 96% for parziquantel and 91% for oxamniquine. In s. haematobium infections, the cure rate was 98% for praziquantel and 90% for metrifonate. Side effects were generally minor and temporary and were noted in 44% of patients treated with praziquantel, in 60% of patients treated with metrifonate, and in 70% of the patients treated with oxamniquine. The most common side effects were dizziness and abdominal pain. It is concluded that the drugs are effective against the species of Schistosoma present in our area. Praziquantel appears to be the drug of choice for S. haematobium. Praziquantel and low-dose oxaminquine [25 mg/kg] were comparable in their effect on S. mansoni