Oxamniquine: What It Is and Why It Matters

When working with oxamniquine, an antiparasitic medication used mainly against schistosomiasis. Also known as Mirazid, it targets the parasite’s metabolic pathways to stop infection. Schistosomiasis, a water‑borne disease caused by flatworms is the primary condition oxamniquine treats, and praziquantel, the global first‑line drug for the same disease often serves as a comparison point. Oxamniquine belongs to the class of antiparasitic drugs, requires careful dosage calculation, and can be affected by emerging drug‑resistance patterns. These relationships form the backbone of effective treatment planning.

Key Considerations for Using Oxamniquine

Oxamniquine treats schistosomiasis by disrupting the parasite’s DNA synthesis, which reduces egg production and prevents organ damage. The typical adult dose ranges from 10‑15 mg/kg, taken as a single oral tablet, but pediatric dosing must be adjusted for weight and age. Safety checks include liver function tests because the drug is metabolized in the liver, and patients with severe hepatic impairment may need an alternative regimen. Interactions with other medications, especially those processed by the cytochrome P450 system, can alter oxamniquine’s effectiveness, so a full medication review is essential before starting therapy.

Drug resistance is an emerging concern; repeated exposure to antiparasitic agents can select for resistant Schistosoma strains, which in turn influences clinicians to rotate or combine treatments. In areas where praziquantel resistance is reported, oxamniquine offers a valuable backup, but resistance monitoring programs are still limited. Patients should be educated about the importance of completing the full course, even if symptoms improve early, to reduce the chance of resistant parasites persisting. Side effects are generally mild—nausea, headache, and occasional transient liver enzyme elevation—but serious adverse events are rare when dosing guidelines are followed.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into genetics, drug comparisons, safety protocols, and real‑world case studies related to oxamniquine and other antiparasitic therapies. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for dosing tables, a traveler seeking prevention tips, or a researcher interested in resistance trends, the collection provides actionable insights you can put to work right away.