Piperazine
Indications
Piperazine is used to treat two common worm infections of the gut: roundworm (ascariasis) and threadworm, also called pinworm (enterobiasis).
How It Works
Piperazine paralyses the worms so they lose their grip on the gut wall. The living but paralysed worms are then passed out in the stool.
Dosage and Administration
The dose depends on the worm type and the person's age or weight, so follow the doctor's advice or the pack instructions exactly. Roundworm is usually treated with a single dose, which may be repeated after 2 weeks. Threadworm usually needs a course of several days, often repeated after 2 weeks. Children: as directed by the doctor or the pack, based on age or weight. For threadworm, everyone in the household is usually treated at the same time.
Interactions
Do not take with Pyrantel, as the two medicines work against each other. Piperazine may increase the risk of side effects from Chlorpromazine and other phenothiazine medicines, including seizures.
Contraindications
- Allergy to piperazine.
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- Severe kidney or liver disease.
Side Effects
Common: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Less common: headache, dizziness, skin rash or hives. Rarely, it can affect the nervous system, causing unsteadiness, muscle weakness, blurred vision or confusion, mostly with high doses or in people with kidney problems.
Get urgent medical help for a fit (seizure), severe dizziness or loss of balance, confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months, unless a doctor advises it. Piperazine passes into breast milk; if it is needed, the doctor may advise taking the dose after a feed and waiting about 8 hours before the next feed.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell the doctor about kidney problems, nervous system disorders or epilepsy.
- For threadworm, good hygiene stops reinfection: wash hands and scrub nails before eating and after using the toilet, keep nails short, and wash bedding and underwear.
- Give children only the dose meant for their age or weight.
Overdose
Too much can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, confusion and fits, especially in children. Seek urgent medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Anthelmintic (medicine for worm infections).
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.
All brands of Piperazine