Full Form of PZQ

What is PZQ?

Praziquantel (PZQ) is an anthelmintic medication primarily used to treat infections caused by parasitic flatworms, most notably schistosomiasis. It belongs to the pyrazinoisoquinoline class and works by increasing the permeability of the parasite's cell membrane to calcium ions, leading to muscle contraction, paralysis, and death of the worm. In India, although schistosomiasis is not as endemic as in sub-Saharan Africa, PZQ remains crucial for managing imported cases and treating other fluke infections such as fasciolopsiasis and intestinal trematodiases. It is also widely employed in veterinary medicine for tapeworm infestations in livestock. PZQ is administered orally, often as a single dose, and is known for its high efficacy and excellent safety profile. The World Health Organization lists it as an essential medicine, and it is a cornerstone of mass drug administration programs for neglected tropical diseases. In the Indian medical curriculum, PZQ frequently appears in pharmacology and public health exams like AIIMS, NEET PG, and UPSC, particularly under topics of antiparasitic drugs and disease elimination strategies. Students and healthcare professionals must understand its mechanism, indications, and role in controlling parasitic infections in vulnerable populations across India.

PZQ का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The treatment for schistosomiasis involves a single dose of PZQ, which has proven highly effective in endemic regions.

PZQ — frequently asked questions

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