Niridazole is used (but not officially recommended) for the treatment of schistosomiasis, dracunculiasis and tungiasis. The mode of action of niridazole is not fully understood. The major action of niridazole seems to be on the glycogen metabolism of the helminths. The drug also case structural damage to the reproductive system of female schistosomes. Another possible mechanism of action of niridazole involves the inhibition of DNA synthesis in schistosomes. It is metabolized in the liver. The most serious side effects were those connected with the nervous area (convulsion, hallucination, etc.).