Niridazole is a schistosomicide.[1] It is used to treat schistosomiasis, the helmintic disease caused by certain flatworms (trematodes) from the genus Schistosoma (formerly Bilharzia). It is also known by its trade name Ambilhar. It is usually given as tablets.
Niridazole has central nervous system toxicity and can cause dangerous side effects, such as hallucinations.[2] Also, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. However, it is one of the most effective schistosomicide drugs.[3]
It has recently also been investigated for use in the treatment of periodontitis.[4][5]
^Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit JK, Mittal N, Anupurba S (November 2007). "Ethylcellulose inserts of an orphan drug for periodontitis: preparation, in vitro, and clinical studies". Drug Delivery. 14 (8): 531–8. doi:10.1080/10717540701606517. PMID18027183.
^Barat R, Srinatha A, Pandit JK, Ridhurkar D, Balasubramaniam J, Mittal N, Mishra DN (2006). "Niridazole biodegradable inserts for local long-term treatment of periodontitis: possible new life for an orphan drug". Drug Delivery. 13 (5): 365–73. doi:10.1080/10717540500398126. PMID16877312. S2CID31987972.