Description
What is Niclosig 500 Tablet?
Niclosig 500 Tablet is a clinically trusted prescription anthelmintic medication containing Niclosamide 500mg as its active ingredient. Niclosamide was approved by the US FDA for use in humans to treat tapeworm infection in 1982 and is included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. It has been used to safely treat millions of patients.
Niclosamide belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics, which kill parasitic worms in the body. It is primarily used to treat tapeworm infections and is taken orally. The dead worms are then naturally expelled from the body through the stool.
Uses & Indications
Niclosig 500 Tablet is medically prescribed for the treatment of the following tapeworm infections:
- Taenia saginata (Beef Tapeworm infection)
- Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm infection)
- Diphyllobothrium latum (Broad/Fish Tapeworm infection)
- Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf Tapeworm infection)
- Fasciolopsis buski (Large intestinal fluke)
- Mixed or unspecified tapeworm infections as determined by your doctor
Niclosamide will not work for other types of worm infections such as pinworms or roundworms. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before use.
Dosage & How to Take
For Adults (Beef Tapeworm / Fish Tapeworm / Pork Tapeworm): A single 2g dose (four 500mg tablets) taken after a light meal. For infections with beef or fish tapeworms, the 2g dose may be divided — with 1g taken after breakfast and 1g taken an hour later.
For Dwarf Tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana): An initial dose of 2g is given on the first day, followed by 1g daily for 6 days. Children aged 2 to 6 years are given half the above doses, and those under 2 years of age are given one-quarter the above doses.
How to Take:
- Niclosamide can be taken without food (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). However, taking it after a light meal can help avoid stomach discomfort.
- Chew or crush Niclosamide tablets thoroughly before swallowing them with a small amount of water. For children, crush tablets into a fine powder and mix with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- No alcohol should be taken during treatment.
- Follow-up stool tests may be recommended by your doctor to confirm the infection has cleared completely.
Always follow the dosage and schedule prescribed by your doctor exactly.
How Does Niclosig 500 Work?
Niclosamide works by killing tapeworms on contact. Adult worms (but not ova) are rapidly killed, presumably due to uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation or stimulation of ATPase activity. The killed worms are then passed in the stool or sometimes destroyed in the intestine.
In simple terms — Niclosamide disrupts the energy-producing process inside the tapeworm’s cells, effectively starving and paralysing them on contact. Niclosamide appears to be minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract , which means it acts locally in the intestine with very low systemic absorption — making it generally well-tolerated with minimal systemic side effects.
Key Benefits of Niclosig 500 Tablet
- WHO Essential Medicine — globally recognized safe and effective tapeworm treatment
- Kills tapeworms on contact — fast-acting mechanism
- Broad-spectrum — treats beef, pork, fish, and dwarf tapeworms
- Minimal systemic absorption — acts locally in the gut with fewer body-wide side effects
- Suitable for adults and children (with appropriate dosing)
- Often single-dose treatment — convenient for beef and fish tapeworm infections
- Clinically proven — FDA-approved with decades of safe use worldwide
Precautions & Important Warnings
Before taking Niclosig 500, tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to niclosamide or any of its ingredients
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are currently breastfeeding
- Have liver, kidney, or biliary disease
- Are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines
Important Safety Information:
- Niclosamide may be given safely to patients with liver, biliary, and kidney diseases.
- Do NOT consume alcohol during the course of treatment — alcohol may possibly increase the side effects of niclosamide.
- Niclosamide has not been studied in pregnant women. However, it has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Do not use to treat roundworm, pinworm, or other non-tapeworm infections — it will not be effective.
- For pork tapeworm (T. solium) infections, a laxative may be recommended by your doctor 2 hours after the dose to help expel dead worms and reduce the theoretical risk of autoinfection.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking:
- Alcohol — may intensify side effects
- Any antiparasitic drugs — possible interaction depending on combination
- Herbal supplements or vitamins — inform your doctor of all supplements
- Any OTC medicines — always disclose full medication list before starting Niclosig
Side Effects
Niclosig 500 is generally very well-tolerated due to its minimal absorption. Because the drug is poorly absorbed, the typical side effects of niclosamide are mild, occurring at a rate of approximately 10%.
Common (mild & temporary) Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or abdominal discomfort
- Light-headedness and itching (pruritus)
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Unpleasant or bitter taste in the mouth
- Mild drowsiness
Rare Side Effects:
- Skin rash or allergic reaction
- Perianal itching (around the anus)
- Dizziness
If you experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing, stop the medication and seek immediate medical help.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Instructions
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Check the expiry date before use.
- Do not keep outdated or unused medicine — dispose of safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What types of worms does Niclosig 500 treat?
A: Niclosig 500 is effective against beef tapeworm, pork tapeworm, fish tapeworm, dwarf tapeworm, and dog tapeworm. It will not work for other types of worm infections such as pinworms or roundworms.
Q: Is one tablet of Niclosig 500 enough?
A: For most tapeworm types in adults, the prescribed dose is 2g (four 500mg tablets) taken as a single dose. Usually one dose is enough. However, in some patients a second dose of this medicine may be required to clear up the infection completely.
Q: Can Niclosig 500 be given to children?
A: Yes, with adjusted dosing based on the child’s age and weight. For children, crush tablets into a fine powder and mix with a small amount of water to form a paste. Always consult your doctor for the correct pediatric dose.
Q: How will I know the tapeworm has been expelled?
A: Dead worms are passed out of the body through the stool, although they may not be visible as they are sometimes destroyed in the intestine. Your doctor may ask for a follow-up stool test to confirm clearance.
Q: Can I eat normally while taking Niclosig 500?
A: Yes. A light meal before taking the tablet is recommended to reduce stomach discomfort. No special diets or fasting are required.
Q: Do I need a prescription to buy Niclosig 500?
A: Yes. Niclosig 500 is a prescription-only medicine. Please upload a valid doctor’s prescription at checkout.
Disclaimer: Niclosig 500 is a prescription medicine. The information provided here is strictly for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified and licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.


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