Q: Why corticosteroids are added with Praziquantel in treatment of Neurocysticercosis?

Answer:  Praziquantel can evoke an inflammatory response in CNS. Corticosteroids helps in decreasing inflammation. But to note, when corticosteroids are given in combination with praziquantel, it decreases the action of praziquantel by enhancing its first pass metabolism. It is recommended to add cimetidine in the regimen.  Co-administration of cimetidine raises serum praziquantel levels.

References:

1. White, Jr., A. Clinton (2009). "New developments in the management of neurocysticercosis". The Journal of Infectious Diseases 199 (9): 1261–2.

2. Dimitrios K. Matthaiou, Georgios Panos, Eleni S. Adamidi,Matthew E. Falagas “Albendazole versus Praziquantel in the Treatment of Neurocysticercosis: A Meta-analysis of Comparative Trials” PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2008 March; 2(3): e194

3. Dachman WD1, Adubofour KO, Bikin DS, Johnson CH, Mullin PD, Winograd M. - Cimetidine-induced rise in praziquantel levels in a patient with neurocysticercosis being treated with anticonvulsants. - J Infect Dis. 1994 Mar;169(3):689-91