ACTION AND MECHANISM

Anthelmintic, active against Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. It exerts its action by neuromuscular blockade on susceptible helminths, immobilizing the parasite and causing its intestinal expulsion.

SENIORS

The safety and efficacy of pyrantel use in the elderly have not been specifically established; however, no specifically geriatric problems have been described in this age group. Use is accepted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

- Allergy to the medication.

PREGNANCY

Animal safety : Animal studies have not shown adverse fetal effects.

Safety in humans : There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Use of this drug is only acceptable when safer therapeutic alternatives are unavailable.

Effects on fertility : there are no specific studies in humans.

INDICATIONS

- [ENTEROBIASIS], [ASCARIDIASIS] and [ANKLE STOMACHIS].

INTERACTIONS

There is antagonism between pyrantel pamoate and piperazine due to their different mechanisms of action. Both drugs exert their effect by neuromuscular blockade on susceptible helminths, although pyrantel does so by depolarization while piperazine does so by hyperpolarization, these two actions opposing each other.

- Theophylline: there is a study in which an increase in plasma levels of theophylline has been recorded, with possible potentiation of its toxicity.

LACTATION

Animal safety : no data available.

Safety in humans : it is unknown whether it is excreted in milk, and the consequences it could have for the infant.

CHILDREN

The safety and efficacy of pyrantel in children under 2 years of age have not been fully established. The use of pyrantel in children under 2 years of age is limited to situations where parasitic infection significantly interferes with nutritional status and physical development.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPER ADMINISTRATION

The oral suspension can be mixed with milk or fruit juice.

POSOLOGY

- Adults and children.

* Enterobiasis and ascariasis: 10 mg/kg, administered as a single dose. The dose may be repeated, if necessary, after 2 weeks (enterobiasis).

* Hookworm: 10 mg/kg/24 h for 3 days, the dose may be repeated, if necessary, after 1 month.

Dosage schedule, based on an estimate of body weight/age.

- From 6 months to 2 years (less than 12 kg): 1/2 chewable tablet or 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon of 5 ml).

- From 2 to 6 years (12 to 22 kg): 1 chewable tablet or 5 ml (1 teaspoon of 5 ml).

- From 6 to 12 years (22 to 41 kg): 2 chewable tablets or 10 ml (2 teaspoons of 5 ml).

- Children over 12 years and adults (41 to 75 kg): 3 chewable tablets or 15 ml (3 teaspoons of 5 ml).

- Adults over 75 kg: 4 chewable tablets or 20 ml (4 teaspoons of 5 ml).

PRECAUTIONS

- [LIVER FAILURE] (in some patients, elevated transaminase levels have been observed).

- Severe [ANEMIA], [MALNUTRITION] or [DEHYDRATION].

- Simultaneous treatment of all family members is advisable.

- Apply hygienic measures to control the causes of the infestation.

PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO EXCIPIENTS

This medicine contains sorbitol. Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance should not take this medicine.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

They are usually mild and transient. The most frequent adverse effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Less frequently, dizziness, skin rashes, and transient elevated transaminases may occur.