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Niclosamide

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; 

    • Anthelmintics

    Niclosamide is an anthelmintic indicated in the treatment of beef, pork, fish, and dwarf tapeworm infections in adults and children.

    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. Niclosamide may also be used for other tapeworm infections as determined by your doctor. It will not work for other types of worm infections (for example, pinworms or roundworms).

    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.

    Less common

    • Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
    • diarrhea
    • loss of appetite
    • nausea or vomiting

    Rare

    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • drowsiness
    • itching of the rectal area
    • skin rash
    • unpleasant taste

    Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

    It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This is to make sure that the infection is cleared up completely.

    If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

    For oral dosage form (tablets):

    For fish tapeworm or beef tapeworm:

    • Adults—2 grams as a single dose. Treatment may be repeated in seven days if needed.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
    • For children weighing 11 to 34 kilograms (kg) (24.2 to 74.8 pounds): 1 gram as a single dose. Treatment may be repeated in seven days if needed.
    • For children weighing over 34 kg (74.8 pounds): 1.5 grams as a single dose. Treatment may be repeated in seven days if needed.

    For dwarf tapeworm:

    • Adults—2 grams a day for seven days. Treatment may be repeated in seven to fourteen days if needed.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
    • For children weighing 11 to 34 kg (24.2 to 74.8 pounds): 1 gram on the first day. Then 500 milligrams (mg) once a day for the next six days. Treatment may be repeated in seven to fourteen days if needed.
    • For children weighing over 34 kg (74.8 pounds): 1.5 grams on the first day. Then 1 gram once a day for the next six days. Treatment may be repeated in seven to fourteen days if needed.