Niclosamide

These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific registered indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information

Registered South African indications:

• Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
• Taenia solium (pork tapeworm)
• Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm)
• Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm)

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Elderly
• May impair ability to drive and operate machinery

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: tab

Infections caused by: Tapeworm (Taenia saginata, taenia solium, diphyllobothrium latum, hymenolepis nana)

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

In infestation with beef tapeworm (T. saginata), pork tapeworm (T. solium) and fish tapeworm (D. latum)

• Oral (tab): 2g, as a single dose after breakfast

For infections with the dwarf tapeworm (H. nana)

• Oral (tab): Day 1: 2g after breakfast; Day 2-7: 1g, dly

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It is very important that the palatable tablets are thoroughly chewed and then washed down with water

The tablets may also be taken disintegrated in water

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A drastic saline purge given 2hrs after the dose should ensure a rapid and complete expulsion of the worm. Without purgation, the parasite is excreted in pieces for about 2 days after the end of treatment

In the case of Taenia solium, a drastic purge is imperative

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: tab

Infections caused by: Tapeworm (Taenia saginata, taenia solium, diphyllobothrium latum, hymenolepis nana)

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

In infestation with beef tapeworm (T. saginata), pork tapeworm (T. solium) and fish tapeworm (D. latum)

Younger than 2 years

• Oral (tab): 500mg, as a single dose after breakfast

Between 2-6 years

• Oral (tab): 1g, as a single dose after breakfast

Older than 6 years

• See adult dosage

For infections with the dwarf tapeworm (H. nana)

Younger than 2 years

• Oral (tab): Day 1: 500mg after breakfast; Day 2-7: 250mg, dly

Between 2-6 years

• Oral (tab): Day 1: 1g after breakfast; Day 2-7: 500mg, dly

Older than 6 years

• See adult dosage

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For small children it is advisable to grind the tablets as finely as possible and mix the powder with water

It is very important that the palatable tablets are thoroughly chewed and then washed down with water

The tablets may also be taken disintegrated in water

---

A drastic saline purge given 2hrs after the dose should ensure a rapid and complete expulsion of the worm. Without purgation, the parasite is excreted in pieces for about 2 days after the end of treatment

In the case of Taenia solium, a drastic purge is imperative

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category Not Rated (NR) 

Breastfeeding

• Compatible

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• Caution; no information available

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Nausea
• Retching 
• Abdominal pain

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity reactions

No information available

None routine

Niclosamide acts locally by direct contact with the tapeworm’s scolex. Niclosamide inhibits oxidative phosphorylation in the parasite’s mitochondria, resulting in death of the scolex and adjoining segments. The segment chain then loses its grip and is eliminated from the intestine during bowel movement, either as a whole or in individual small parts.

Niclosamide is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Tablet 500mg

• Yomesan (Bayer)