A retrospective survey on side effects of praziquantel among 25,693 cases of schistosomiasis japonica.

A retrospective survey involving 25,693 persons was carried out in four provinces and the city of Shanghai, China between December 1981 until May 1982 to document relatively serious side effects of praziquantel used in a mass treatment programme for schistosomiasis japonica. Only 122 or 0.47% of those participating in the study had experienced relatively serious side reactions to the drug. Most had only one kind of side effects but two or more were recorded in a few patients. Neuropsychiatric reactions were seen in 39 persons (0.15%,) cardiovascular reactions in 37 (0.14%), hepatic changes in four (0.02%), dermatological reactions in 18 (0.07%) and delayed reactions resulting in fatigue and inability to work in 29 (0.11%). Praziquantel remains the drug of choice for the treatment of oriental schistosomiasis, it is highly effective and although side effects are minimal, caution should be taken in the treatment of chronic disease with heart failure, ascites, poor hepatic compensation and renal failure.