Praziquantel is an anthelmintic medication used primarily to treat parasitic worm infections, such as schistosomiasis and various types of tapeworm infections. Below are the details regarding its chemical structure and physical properties:
Chemical Structure of Praziquantel:
- IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-[3-(4-Cyclohexylcarbonyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-1-yl)-2H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinazolin-2-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinazoline
- Molecular Formula: C18H24N2O2
- Molar Mass: 312.41 g/mol
- Chemical Structure: Praziquantel contains a complex bicyclic structure with several fused rings, including pyrroloquinazoline and cyclohexylcarbonyl groups.
The structure includes:
- Pyrrole-based heterocycles.
- Cyclohexyl group.
- Carbonyl group.
- Quinazoline ring system.
Physical Properties of Praziquantel:
1.Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder.
2.Solubility:
- Soluble in organic solvents like chloroform and methanol.
- Slightly soluble in water, which is why it is typically formulated in an oral dosage form with appropriate excipients to improve bioavailability.
3.Melting Point: Approximately 140–143°C.
4.Boiling Point: Not well-defined due to decomposition at higher temperatures.
5.Density: Not well defined, typically depends on the formulation.
6.pKa: Praziquantel has a weakly basic nature, with a pKa around 7.5.
Stability:
Praziquantel is stable under normal storage conditions but can be sensitive to light, humidity, and high temperatures. It is often stored in cool, dry conditions in its pharmaceutical formulations.
Clinical Use of Praziquantel:
- Indications: Primarily used to treat infections caused by trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms), such as schistosomiasis, liver fluke infections, and neurocysticercosis.
- Mechanism of Action: Praziquantel works by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes of the parasites to calcium ions, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites.
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