[The procedure for the wide use of praziquantel in a complex of measures to control opisthorchiasis. 1. The tolerance and efficacy of different doses of biltricide during outpatient use in foci].

The results of wide uses of praziquantel (bilthricide, Bayer, Merck) to treat 2,440 persons in the outpatient setting of the endemic foci of opisthorchiasis in Tomsk Province suggest that the agent is highly effective (on the average of 97%) and well tolerable. There are no great differences in the efficiency of treatment, the frequency and magnitude of adverse reactions during out- and inpatient treatments. There are no either basic differences in the efficacy of praziquantel doses of 30, 40, and 60 mg used in the treatment of patients with Opisthorchis infection in whom 1 to 1.00 eggs per g feces are found. The use of praziquantel in a daily dose of 30 or 40 mg/kg in the outpatient setting permits the mass drug therapy of the population in the endemic foci, by reducing expenses on treatment. It is advisable to continue investigations of praziquantel used in small doses among the populations at low infection risk.