Treatment & Prophylaxis of Taeniasis

Treatment of Taeniasis
Intestinal Taeniasis
Single dose of praziquantel (10–20 mg/kg) is the drug of choice. Niclosamide (2 g), single dose, is
another effective drug. Purgation is not considered necessary.

Cysticercosis
For cysticercosis, excision is the best method, wherever possible. Asymptomatic neurocysticercocis
requires no treatment. For symptomatic cerebral cysticercosis, praziquantel in a dose of 50 mg/kg in 3
divided doses for 20–30 days and albendazole in a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 30 days may be
administered. Corticosteroids may be given along with praziquantel or albendazole to reduce the
inflammatory reactions caused by the dead cysticerci. In addition, antiepileptic drugs should be given
until the reaction of the brain has subsided. Operative intervention is indicated for hydrocephalus.

Prophylaxis
 Beef and pork to be eaten by man should be subjected to effective inspection for cysticerci in
slaughterhouse.
 Avoidance of eating raw or undercooked beef and pork. The critical thermal point of cysticercus is
56°C for 5 minutes.
 Maintenance of clean personal habits and general sanitary measures.