Oxamniquine is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from
growing or multiplying in your body.
Oxamniquine is used only to treat infections caused by the worm Schistosoma mansoni.
This is an uncommon infection usually acquired through contact with freshwater in Africa.
Oxamniquine is not commercially available in the United States.
Oxamniquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oxamniquine?
Before taking oxamniquine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you
have, especially liver disease, kidney disease, or a seizure disorder. You may need a lower dose
or special monitoring if you have any of these conditions.
Oxamniquine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take oxamniquine without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether oxamniquine passes into breast milk and how it might
affect a nursing baby. Do not take oxamniquine without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take oxamniquine?
Take oxamniquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take oxamniquine with food to lessen stomach upset.
Oxamniquine is usually taken in one or two doses that completely treat the infection.
Store oxamniquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of oxamniquine?
Since only one or two doses are needed to treat this infection, you are not likely to miss a
dose.
Where can I get more information about oxamniquine?
Your pharmacist has information about oxamniquine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of oxamniquine?
Stop taking oxamniquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an
allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your
throat; or hives).
Rarely, seizures have occurred, most often in patients who already have epilepsy or
another seizure disorder. Seek medical attention in the case of a seizure.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
oxamniquine and talk to your doctor if you experience
a headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about oxamniquine?
Oxamniquine is not commercially available in the United States.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Oxamniquine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Take oxamniquine with food to lessen stomach upset.
What should I avoid while taking oxamniquine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Oxamniquine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What other drugs will affect oxamniquine?
Drug interactions with oxamniquine are not well known. Tell your doctor and pharmacist
about all medicines you are taking, so that they can monitor your therapy for interactions.
What happens if I have an overdose of oxamniquine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009