Niclosig
Niclosig (niclosamide 500 mg chewable) — tapeworm-specific anthelmintic for Taenia saginata, Taenia solium intestinal, Diphyllobothrium latum, and Hymenolepis nana. Single 2-g chewed dose.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick Answer — What is Niclosig?
Niclosig is niclosamide 500 mg chewable from Sigmund Promedia. Niclosamide is the WHO Essential Medicine for intestinal tapeworm (Taenia saginata, Taenia solium intestinal-form, Hymenolepis nana, Diphyllobothrium latum). Standard adult dose: 2 g (4 tablets) as a single dose, chewed thoroughly and swallowed with a small amount of water on an empty stomach.
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What is Niclosig?
Niclosig is niclosamide 500 mg chewable from Sigmund Promedia. Niclosamide is a salicylanilide-class anthelmintic with a niche but irreplaceable role: it is the cleanest, most reliable single-dose treatment for intestinal cestodes (tapeworms). It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and has been used continuously since the 1960s.
Mechanism of action
Niclosamide uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in the tapeworm scolex (head). This depletes parasite ATP, paralyses the scolex, and disrupts its grip on the gut wall. The worm is then partially digested by host enzymes — you may see fragmented proglottids in stool rather than an intact worm. Niclosamide is essentially not absorbed from the gut (< 5%), which is therapeutically perfect: high luminal concentration, near-zero systemic exposure.
Niclosig indications and dose
| Indication | Dose | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) | 2 g (4 tablets) | Single dose, chewed on empty stomach |
| Pork tapeworm intestinal form (Taenia solium) | 2 g (4 tablets) | Single dose; consider laxative 2 h post-dose to reduce theoretical cysticercosis risk |
| Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) | 2 g (4 tablets) | Single dose |
| Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana) | 2 g day 1, then 1 g daily × 6 days | 7-day course |
Chew the tablets thoroughly, then swallow with a small amount of water. Take on an empty stomach in the morning, or after a light breakfast. For Taenia solium specifically, some clinicians give a saline laxative 2 h after the dose to evacuate dead proglottids and reduce the (rare) theoretical risk of egg release into the gut and resulting cysticercosis.
Side effects
- Common: mild nausea, abdominal discomfort, transient diarrhoea
- Less common: headache, dizziness, mild rash
- Rare: hypersensitivity reactions, photosensitivity
Drug interactions
Because niclosamide is essentially unabsorbed, clinically significant drug interactions are very rare. Alcohol is best avoided on the day of dosing — it can theoretically increase niclosamide solubility and absorption, though this has no documented adverse outcome.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to niclosamide
- Cysticercosis or neurocysticercosis — use praziquantel/albendazole under specialist care
- Children < 2 years — weight-band dosing only under medical supervision
Storage
Store Niclosig below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
Why order from MedsBase
Niclosig is supplied from a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer, packaged discreetly, and shipped worldwide. Every order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — you never wear the cost of a lost parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know the tapeworm is gone?
Confirm with stool ova-and-parasite testing 1 and 3 months after treatment. Visible passage of fragmented proglottids in stool over the days following the dose is normal. The scolex (head) may not be visible — that’s expected because it’s the part the drug works on first.
Why chew the tablets?
Chewing maximises dispersion in the gut lumen where tapeworms live. Swallowing whole reduces local concentration and lowers cure rates.
Should I take a laxative after?
Routine laxative is unnecessary for Taenia saginata or Diphyllobothrium. For Taenia solium specifically, some clinicians give a saline laxative 2 h post-dose — this is to expel proglottids quickly and theoretically reduce the chance of egg release and resulting cysticercosis. Discuss with your clinician.
Can niclosamide treat roundworm?
No. Niclosamide is tapeworm-specific. For roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, or whipworm use albendazole or mebendazole.
Why is niclosamide preferred over praziquantel for intestinal tapeworm?
Both work for intestinal tapeworm. Niclosamide has near-zero systemic absorption, fewer side effects, and is cheaper. Praziquantel is the agent of choice for tissue-stage cestodes (neurocysticercosis), schistosomiasis, and most fluke infections — broader but more expensive.
Is Niclosig safe in pregnancy?
Limited data; the lack of systemic absorption is reassuring. The first trimester is typically avoided where possible. Discuss with a clinician.
Can children take Niclosig?
Yes from age 2 with weight-band dosing: 11–34 kg = 1 g (2 tablets); > 34 kg = adult dose. Below age 2, consult a paediatrician.
Should I retreat?
Routine retreat is not standard. Confirm cure with stool testing at 1 and 3 months. If proglottids reappear or stool shows persistent infection, repeat the single dose.
What about alcohol after taking Niclosig?
Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment — it can theoretically increase niclosamide absorption and is associated with rare reports of nausea and flushing.
Can I take other medicines with Niclosig?
Yes. Because niclosamide is essentially unabsorbed, clinically significant drug interactions are very rare. Standard chronic medications can continue uninterrupted.
When a patient treated with Niclosig (niclosamide 500 mg) for intestinal tapeworms also presents with scabies or strongyloidiasis, practitioners typically add a separate ivermectin course such as Iverheal (ivermectin 3 / 6 / 12 mg) to address the ectoparasitic component.
Other Antiparasitic Medications
- Niclosig (niclosamide 500 mg)
- Prazinec (praziquantel 600 mg)
- ABD 400 (albendazole 400 mg)
- Mebex (mebendazole)
- Tinvista (tinidazole)
More options in Threadworm Treatment
Ranked by recent MedsBase order volume — what other customers in this category are picking.
| Strength | 500 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s, 180 Tablet/s, 400 Tablet/s, 800 Tablet/s |
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