Comparative trial of oltipraz versus praziquantel in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in the Gabon

Abstract

The efficacy of oltipraz as a schistosomicidal drug was investigated in Gabonese children suffering from urinary schistosomiasis in the dosages of 1 X 25 mg/kg body weight, 1 X 35 mg/kg body weight, and 2 X 20 mg/kg body weight and compared to praziquantel, 2 X 30 mg/kg body weight. The study was undertaken in 165 patients, and follow-up investigations were carried out 6 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. Oltipraz showed less efficacy compared to praziquantel when dosages of 1 X 25 and 1 X 35 mg/kg body weight were given. However, oltipraz 2 X 20 mg/kg body weight was equivalent to praziquantel 2 X 30 mg/kg body weight. Parasitological cure was obtained in 79% of patients treated by oltipraz and 81% of patients treated by praziquantel. Side effects were insignificant in both treatment groups. Thus, the same parasitological cure could be achieved by oltipraz as well as by praziquantel, but with a lower dosage of oltipraz.