Indications
Piperazine Citrate is a deworming medicine (anthelmintic). It is used to treat roundworm (Ascaris) infection and threadworm (pinworm, Enterobius) infection in adults and children. It is usually given as a syrup or elixir.
How It Works
Piperazine paralyses the muscles of the worms by blocking the nerve signals that make them move. The worms lose their grip on the wall of the intestine and are passed out alive in the stool through normal bowel movements.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor. For roundworm it is usually taken as a single dose, which may be repeated after about two weeks. For threadworm it is usually taken once daily for 7 days, sometimes repeated after a week. Children’s doses depend on age or body weight and should follow the label or the doctor’s advice. All members of a household are often treated together for threadworm.
Interactions
- Pyrantel: works in the opposite way on worm muscles and may reduce the effect of Piperazine; they should not be taken together.
- Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine medicines: the risk of fits may increase.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Piperazine, or if you have epilepsy (fits) or a history of seizures. It should not be used in people with severe kidney or liver disease.
Side Effects
Side effects are usually mild: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness. Less often, skin rash, itching, blurred vision, unsteady walking, muscle weakness or confusion may occur, especially with high doses or in people with kidney problems.
Get urgent medical help if there is a fit (seizure), severe dizziness or loss of balance, trouble seeing, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Piperazine is generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the first three months, unless a doctor advises it. It passes into breast milk; if it must be used, breastfeeding may be paused for about 8 hours after the dose, as advised by your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with caution in people with kidney or liver problems, poor nutrition or nerve disorders.
- To prevent reinfection with threadworm, wash hands well, keep nails short and wash bedding and underwear in hot water.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Overdose
Overdose may cause vomiting, weakness, muscle twitching, unsteady walking, confusion and fits, especially in children. Seek medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic (anti-worm medicine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.