The efficacy of praziquantel for the treatment of cestode and metacestode infections.

The activity of praziquantel against adult and larval cestode infections is reviewed. Praziquantel remains an excellent drug for the treatment of taeniasis and hymenolepiasis. Neurocysticercosis, however, seems to respond better to a treatment with albendazole than to praziquantel, especially when the anthelmintic treatment is combined with steroid drugs. Concerning the treatment of hydatidosis and coenurosis, more research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of praziquantel.