Such an unpleasant phenomenon as helminth infection is especially acute for parents of young children, when it is difficult to control the behavior of their hyperactive child.
Infection with helminths occurs instantly and easily if simple hygiene rules are not followed. But it’s not at all easy to get rid of them. It is difficult to solve this problem in a child; it is important to choose the right medicine that will not harm the child’s body.
You can read more about children's worms in our other article: Worms in children: symptoms, signs. Recommendations and opinions of Komarovsky
Experts recommend the drug Pirantel for children:
- it has a wide spectrum of action;
- quite common and quite effective;
- can be used at any age, it is absolutely safe;
- is a budget medicine.
Composition and pharmacological action of the drug
The main active substance of the drug is pyrantel, which provides the desired anthelmintic effect.
In addition to this substance, this medicinal product contains:
- talc;
- starch;
- silica;
- gelatin.
These substances are needed to obtain the desired tablet form.
The medicine, which is available in liquid form, includes: gum, sorbitol and sucrose.
The principle of operation of the drug is explained by blocking the movement of nerve impulses in the bodies of parasites, leading them to paralysis. After some time, the death of the helminths occurs.
The wide range of effects of the drug provides the desired effectiveness in the fight against the following helminths:
- hookworms;
- pinworms;
- roundworms;
- nekators.
Pyrantel effectively destroys mature individuals of the listed species, while it does not have a negative effect on the body.
The medicine is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted through the intestines.
Constant allocation of almost 50%. https://youtu.be/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5NL2MF5TwI
Forms of release of the drug
For ease of use in childhood, Pirantel is available in various dosage forms. Thanks to this, use is possible even for infants from 6 months.
Pyrantel tablets
The following forms of Pyrantel are distinguished:
- Pills . They are yellow capsules with no special shell and one division. The composition includes active and auxiliary components. The active substance is pyrantel, auxiliary components are gelatin, talc, starch, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch gluconate and other components in small quantities.
- Suspensions are a viscous, jelly-like yellow mass for internal use in an amount of 50 ml. 5 ml of the medicine contains the active component - pyrantel, excipient - sucrose, sodium saccharin, sodium chloride, citric acid, chocolate essence, sorbidol, purified water, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylparaben and sodium propylparaben.
- The syrup is a liquid medicine of Pyrantel. It is best used for small children, as it has a pleasant sweet taste and smell. The composition also contains auxiliary and active substances, which, when interacting together, help in the treatment of helminthic infestation. The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor.
Any of the listed forms of Pyrantel has a positive effect on the body during therapeutic effects, helps destroy parasites and has a gentle effect on their elimination.
Indications for use of Pirantel
The drug is prescribed when doctors discover a positive test result for helminths. Unfortunately, the drug does not eliminate all types of helminthiasis, so you should first obtain information about the indications for taking the medicine.
This drug is prescribed immediately when the following pathologies are identified:
- Enterobiasis.
- Ascariasis.
- Nekatoroz.
- Combination of enterobiasis and helminthiasis.
For these diseases, treatment is provided not only with Pirantel. Be sure to follow the rules of personal hygiene and eat properly during the treatment period. It is necessary to sanitize the house and give the tablets to pets.
How do you know if you have worms? We recommend that you read our other article: Symptoms indicating the presence of worms in adults
Pyrantel suspension for children description, action and method of application
Any illness of a child is stressful, first of all, for his parents. And one of the criteria for choosing a drug is its safety.
Most medicines contain substances of chemical origin, which, however, often determines the effectiveness of the drug against a particular pathogen.
Almost all anthelmintics fall into this category. The synthetic components in their composition can lead to quite intense side effects.
Among the least dangerous drugs in this regard is Pyrantel for children in the form of a suspension.
Description and effect of the drug
The first thing to remember: the prescription of any therapy, as well as medication, should be carried out exclusively by the attending physician. This is especially true for children. Self-medication can lead to the most serious consequences.
The reduced toxicity of the drug in comparison with other anthelmintic drugs allows children from 6 months of age to take Pirantel. Today, this medicine for pinworms and other nematodes is one of the best. The use of the suspension form is due to the following advantages:
- it is easier for a child to take a “syrup” than a tablet;
- mild action, along with a less aggressive effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
- almost complete removal of drug residues from the body naturally.
Pyrantel is partially metabolized in the liver into inactive metabolites, which, together with part of the drug, are excreted in the urine. Thus, up to 8% of the drug and its derivatives leave the body. The rest is safely passed through the feces.
The active ingredients of Pyrantel are most effective against nematodes (roundworms). Once in the body, the active components of the drug cause permanent contraction of the muscle fibers of the parasites, that is, paralysis. Having lost the ability to move, helminths leave the gastrointestinal tract naturally.
Important! It is the ability to paralyze, rather than kill, roundworms that allows one to avoid intoxication resulting from the death and decomposition of the parasites. The low likelihood of side effects is partly possible due to this effect of Pirantel
In addition, the anthelmintic is removed from the body within a day.
Indications for use of Pirantel
Most often, helminth infection in children occurs during “communication” with animals.
And of course, in case of non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, the importance of which they simply do not yet realize. If you suspect one of the types of helminthiasis, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe an examination
If a parasite infection is diagnosed, treatment is prescribed in the form of taking one or another anthelmintic. Pyrantel suspension is prescribed only if intestinal parasites are detected. This is due to the low absorption of the drug, which does not allow it to fight helminths living outside the gastrointestinal tract.
The main parasites for which Pyrantel suspension for children is prescribed for infection are:
- hookworm;
- nekator;
- roundworm;
- pinworm.
If one of the diseases caused by the above helminths is diagnosed, the best choice of medicine would be Pirantel. This remedy is often used to prevent such types of helminthiasis.
Instructions for use
How to give Pirantel to a child? Usually the doctor prescribes the dosage for children. It is calculated taking into account the weight and age of the person. However, he most often uses the standard calculation method - 10 mg of anthelmintic per kilogram of patient weight. However, this is mainly used for adults and tableted Pyrantel, but the instructions for use for the suspension for children are different.
Important! When calculating the dosage of angelmint for a child, one should take into account not only age and weight, but also the intensity of damage to the gastrointestinal tract by parasites. This information can be obtained through a helminth test, such as a scraping or laboratory examination of the stool.
Decaris: instructions for use, contraindications and analogues
Use of the drug and recommended dosage
In standard therapy for helminthiasis of various types, a special dosage and a certain duration of administration are prescribed.
Scheme for prescribing medication for hookworm:
- From 6 months to 2 years - the product should be taken for 3 days, 2 ml each.
- 2–6 years – 3 days, 5 ml.
- From 6 years - 3 days, 10-15 ml.
This regimen of drug use is also suitable in the presence of mixed helminthiasis.
If enterobiasis or ascariasis is detected, the medicine is taken once:
- From 6 months to 3 years - 2.5 ml.
- 3-6 years - 4 ml.
- From 7 and older - 12-15 ml.
Taking the suspension in the presence of necatoriasis:
- Two days, 5 ml, if the child is not older than 3 years.
- At the age of 3-6 years - 2 days, 8 ml.
- 6-12 years - also 2 days, but 15-25 ml each.
- For teenagers - two days, 30 ml.
It is recommended to take the suspension in the morning, along with breakfast.
Treatment of children with tablets
The medicine Pirantel in tablet form is allowed to be prescribed to children over 6 years of age.
The required dosage of the medicine depends on the severity of the pathology, its duration and the age of the child:
- Nekatoroz. Children 6 years old can be given 200 mg, but not more than 2 days. From the age of 10, the dose is increased to 800 mg, treatment also lasts 2 days.
- Enterobiasis and Ascariasis. From 6-7 years, a single dose is 250 mg. Taking the medicine is combined with eating, but it is better in the morning. For a 10-year-old child, the dose is increased, it will be 800 mg per day.
- Ankylostomiasis. The dosage of this drug is the same as that used for enterobiasis, but the duration of therapy is increased to 4 days.
Prices
The cost of the drug Pirantel varies depending on the form of release:
- For the product in the form of tablets, the cost was set at 12-60 Russian rubles.
- For a product in the form of an emulsion, the cost ranges from 28 to 75 rubles.
In general, you can find positive reviews about the drug, in the case of a correctly selected treatment regimen.
Firstly, pyrantel is effective against the five most common helminthiases in the world: ascariasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis, hookworm and necatoriasis. Thus, treatment of one of them automatically implies treatment of any other, and, for example, ascariasis, enterobiasis and trichuriasis are often diagnosed in the same people.
Secondly, Pyrantel stands out among most anthelmintics due to its mild side effects. Most often, they do not appear at all, and if headache, nausea or diarrhea do occur, they stop the next day after treatment.
In the report, the researchers said: “The drug was highly effective against roundworms and whipworms. A single dose of pyrantel at a dose of 10 mg/kg eliminated the above-mentioned helminths in 97% of those infected. Against a less common helminthiasis on the island - hookworm - such a small dose of the medicine was ineffective. Due to the good tolerability of pyrantel and its low cost, it is ideal for mass treatment.”
In a report on the results of the study, Dr. Han-Chen Rim said: “To evaluate the effectiveness of pyrantel, we used three groups of 301 children infected with ascariasis. The drug was given to the groups at different dosages: 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. The drug eliminated 100% of roundworms in 91.3%, 94.4% and 98.9% of children, respectively.
The effectiveness of piperazine, which was taken by 2 groups of children of 71 and 75 people, turned out to be noticeably lower. The first group was given the drug at a dose of 75 mg/kg for two days, the second group - at the same dose for three days. 62% and 74.7% of children, respectively, were freed from roundworms.
Taking into account such a high effectiveness of Pyrantel with almost complete absence of side effects, we came to the conclusion that the drug can be used to treat large groups of potentially infected people.” In their report, the researchers said: “The effectiveness of the drug against hookworms was 99.9%, which was to be expected, since hookworm is included in the list of indications for taking pyrantel
The effectiveness of the drug against Toxocara was 71.6%, and the number of Toxocara eggs in feces decreased by 80.7%, from which we can conclude that about 10% of helminths were temporarily or permanently incapacitated.”
In their report, the researchers said: “The effectiveness of the drug against hookworms was 99.9%, which was to be expected, since hookworm is included in the list of indications for taking pyrantel. The effectiveness of the drug against Toxocara was 71.6%, and the number of Toxocara eggs in feces decreased by 80.7%, from which we can conclude that about 10% of helminths were temporarily or permanently disabled.”
This study is of great importance, since it is the canine Toxocara that is the main causative agent of toxocariasis in humans (most often children), while the involvement of the cat Toxocara in this has not yet been established. Toxocariasis itself can lead to complete loss of vision, and in very rare cases, even to the death of an infected person. And if the use of albendazole (considered the only drug effective against toxocara) is permissible only from 6 years of age, then pyrantel is approved for children from 2 years of age.
For example, Estonian researchers B. Lassen and S. Peltola, studying the development of resistance to this drug in horses, came to the conclusion that intestinal helminths are capable of developing partial immunity to pyrantel.
“The repeated use of pyrantel on horses infected with helminths from the suborder Strongylides (some of them - trichostrongylids and hookworms - are also dangerous to humans) showed worse results than the first. The number of eggs in feces decreased by 88%. For comparison, the drug ivermectin after repeated treatment showed the same high result as the first time - strongylid eggs were not detected in the feces at all.
Prevention with the drug Pirantel
Dosage when carrying out preventive measures against helminth infections:
- Child weight 7-9 kg - 70-95 mg.
- Weight about 12 kg - up to 120 mg.
- 13-17 kg - already 150-170 mg.
- Weight 19-23 kg - dose is 180-240 mg.
The medicine is often used to prevent infection, and not just to eliminate helminths. The drug is used for preventive purposes when there is a high probability of infection from an already ill family member who often comes into contact with the child.
Sometimes preventive measures are also carried out for pets if you have to constantly communicate with them.
Annual prevention is desirable, especially in the summer, when a favorable environment for helminths is created for infection in a variety of ways.
Action of the medicine
Pyrantel is active against roundworms (nematodes). The most common ones are:
- roundworms;
- pinworms;
- whipworms that enter the intestines with poor-quality food.
The action of the drug paralyzes adult and immature worms of both sexes, preventing their movement and reproduction. Immobilized parasites leave the body naturally through bowel movements: taking additional medication with a laxative effect is not required.
Pyrantel does not have the ability to neutralize helminth larvae and does not destroy egg laying. Due to this feature of the drug, after a course of treatment, the instructions for use recommend deworming again. This will make it possible to eliminate the remaining helminth larvae already in the phase of puberty.
Adverse reactions to the drug Pirantel
Negative effects of the drug are observed when the dose is violated or in case of individual intolerance to the ingredients of the drug. Naturally, it is necessary to take into account drug interactions with other drugs.
Typical negative reactions when using Pirantel:
- migraine attacks;
- sudden dizziness;
- fatigue and drowsiness;
- disturbance of the digestive system, feeling of nausea and the urge to vomit;
- constipation gives way to diarrhea;
- loss of appetite.
If side effects occur, it is better to stop taking the medication and visit a specialist for advice. To eliminate negative reactions, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, and sometimes (very rarely) a thorough gastric lavage.
Sometimes Pirantel causes hearing loss, but the relationship of therapy with this symptom has not been proven. With an overdose, all the described side effects intensify.
Side effects
Like any drug, Pirantel has side effects. But they happen very rarely. In this case, it is necessary to stop treatment immediately.
Among them are:
- Nausea (rarely accompanied by vomiting), diarrhea, abdominal cramps, decreased appetite, frequent urge to defecate.
- Headaches, dizziness, lack of sleep, lethargy, increased fatigue, drowsiness.
- Very rarely - hearing loss, hallucinations, clouding of consciousness.
- Skin rash, hives, itching.
- Fever.
The instructions for use contain detailed information and should be read before use. If a person experiences adverse reactions during treatment, they should immediately inform their doctor. Most often, in such cases, treatment is stopped and another drug is prescribed.
Contraindications for taking Pirantel
There are few restrictions on treatment with Pirantel, but if even one point is present, the anthelmintic drug must be replaced with another drug with a similar effect.
Main contraindications:
- intolerance to any ingredient of the drug;
- liver diseases and kidney failure;
- the child’s age does not exceed 6 months;
- simultaneous use with similar anthelmintic drugs.
When these recommendations are not followed, the risk of complications increases significantly. For a child under one year old, this is especially dangerous. Before starting treatment, you must carefully study the instructions included with the medicine.
Special instructions for use of the drug
Pyrantel does not require the simultaneous use of laxative medications, special preparation or adherence to any special diet during the treatment of helminth infections. If at least one family member is diagnosed with enterobiasis or another helminthic infestation, all of his relatives should undergo treatment with Pirantel.
After completing the course of anthelmintic therapy, it is necessary to undergo control tests for the presence of worm eggs in the feces and, if necessary, re-treatment.
To prevent re-infestation by worms, all those who have completed a course of Pirantel therapy should:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and before preparing food, and after each visit to the toilet;
- trim your nails short and clean them;
- do not scratch the anus area;
- Be sure to change your underwear every day, and bedding at least once a week.
If a child is infected with worms, it is necessary to systematically wet clean the rooms in which he spends most of the time, wash his clothes and bedding in hot water with baby powder or soap, and clean his toys.
If you have liver disease, you should definitely notify your doctor.
Reviews about the drug
In the treatment of helminthiasis, the drug is widely known due to its high efficiency. Specialist parasitologists say that Pirantel is simply irreplaceable when there are severe cases of the disease or the presence of hookworm and necatoriasis.
Sometimes it is better to replace the medicine with a similar drug with a more limited range of effects. This can be explained by the fact that a medicine with a wide range of uses is much more toxic. Therefore, for children with weak immunity and other problems, the drug is prescribed only in special cases.
Reviews are mostly positive. But, unfortunately, the destruction effect does not affect parasite larvae. If there are a large number of helminth eggs, it is advisable to use the drug before hatching.
List of indications and use of the medicine
The indication for the use of pyrantel against worms in children is proven helminthic infestation, namely:
- enterobiasis or pinworms;
- ascariasis;
- necatoriasis;
- hookworm disease.
The drug is prescribed only by a doctor and only after undergoing an examination. Since helminthic infestation is not always detected the first time, stool examination for helminth eggs should be carried out three times. If eggs are found in the stool or scraping, which is taken to check for enterobiasis, the doctor immediately prescribes treatment.
There are few contraindications to the use of this drug: hypersensitivity to one of the components (main or auxiliary). Pirantel is also not prescribed to children who have not reached six months of age.
This remedy should be used with great caution in children aged six months to two years. This is due to the high likelihood of developing an adverse reaction
Cases of drug overdose have not yet been studied. With its development, the following manifestations may occur: a feeling of nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdominal area. In this case, gastric lavage and situational therapy are performed.
Next, you need to figure out how to take the drug correctly for children. After all, the use of Pirantel in children and adults is different. For children, the most important is an individual approach and selection of dosage, depending on the baby’s body weight.
The syrup is measured using the measuring spoon included with each package. One measuring spoon corresponds to 5 ml of medicine. In what dose and for how many days should I use this medicine? This is the most frequently asked question among parents.
As mentioned above, pyrantel is taken depending on the age of the child. The smaller it is, the lower the dosage.
Now let's talk in more detail about how to take this remedy for children:
- If a child has reached six months, but has not reached the age of two years, then he should drink 125 mg of the active substance, that is, half a measuring spoon. From the age of two to six years, a full spoon is allowed, that is, 5 ml or 250 mg.
- Children from six to twelve years old are given 10 ml of syrup (2 scoops) to drink, which corresponds to 500 mg of the drug. Children who are over twelve years old and whose body weight is less than 75 kg are given three spoons of medicine (15 ml or 750 mg of pyrantel) at one time.
- Pyrantel for worms can be given in tablets. In this case, there is also a gradation by age. From six months to two years, half a tablet (125 mg) is taken. From two to six years – one tablet (250 mg). From six to twelve years – two tablets (500 mg). Over twelve years old – three tablets (750 mg).
- If enterobiasis (detection of pinworms) or ascariasis is detected, Pirantel is taken once. The dose is calculated at the rate of 10 mg per kg of body weight. But no more than what was described above for each age. With the development of hookworm disease, the drug is prescribed in the same dosage (10 mg per kg of weight), the duration of administration is three days.
- With the development of a severe form of necatoriasis, a suspension or tablets for deworming are prescribed at the rate of 20 mg per kg of body weight per day. You need to take the drug for two days.
The medicine is taken directly during meals or immediately after meals. The syrup is drunk immediately, it can be washed down with a glass of clean water. And the tablets are chewed thoroughly before swallowing. They can also be washed down with water.
Toxicity of the drug
Unfortunately, the drug Pyrantel may experience toxicity, which increases in cases of inadequate use:
- when Pirantel is taken without paying attention to contraindications;
- with an excessive dose of medication.
The drug will not be toxic and will not harm health if the dosage and prescribed treatment regimen are followed correctly.
The drug itself is absolutely safe, and the effect of severe poisoning is caused by the mass death of a large number of helminths.
Therefore, for safe treatment it is necessary to follow the prescribed dosage; this is the basic rule.
Contraindications
Pyrantel has virtually no contraindications. It is one of the safe anthelmintic drugs.
But treatment with its help is impossible in the following cases:
- In case of hypersensitivity to the main substance - pyrantel, as well as auxiliary components.
- Liver failure.
- During lactation.
Pregnant women should refrain from treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy. Then you need to consider how necessary treatment with Pirantel is.
Pyrantel's analogs
The medicine has analogue drugs that are similar in the principle of action and the final result in destroying helminths.
The most common analogues:
Helminthox. The medicine has the same main active ingredient - pyrantel. It is sold in the same forms, so the side effects and effectiveness are not different at all.
Nemocid. The medicine is produced in India. The main active ingredient is also pyrantel. Although, the drug is still different: it has a more affordable price.
Kombantrin. A remedy with a similar effect: parasites are struck by paralysis, leading to their death. The drug is produced in Belgium, the active ingredient is pyrantel. The basic principle of action, dosage and release form of these drugs are the same. The only difference is the cost of the drugs.
We recommend that you read more about drugs against worms in our other article: The most effective and popular drugs against worms with a wide spectrum of action
Pricing policy for anti-worm medications
Pirantel:
- tablets - from 30 to 40 rubles;
- suspension - 30-60 rubles.
Nemocid:
- tablets - 20-40;
- suspension - 40‒50.
Helminthox
- tablets - 70-80;
- suspension - 120-140.
Kombantrin
- tablets - 70-90;
- suspension - 150-170.
When choosing an analogue, you need to pay attention not only to the cost, but also to the presence of adverse reactions.
Additional Information
After treatment with this drug, worms may not leave the body intact. There are problems that may occur that are not listed in the instructions for use.
Therefore, before starting treatment, it is worth considering the following information:
- If treatment with Pirantel did not bring the desired result, then the reason for this is improper use.
- Because of this, the person incorrectly calculated the required dosage.
- There may also be an option that the medicine was used for other purposes.
- First of all, a person must make sure that there are helminths in his body.
- Pyrantel is not used for prophylactic purposes.
- It differs significantly from other anthelmintic drugs. It does not kill worms, but paralyzes them. This is a very important advantage.
After using Pirantel, a person can see fragments of adult helminths in the stool. This suggests that they are digested and excreted naturally.
In such cases, you should not panic, as this indicates the effectiveness of the drug. It is confirmed that worms lived in the human intestines for a long time.
If a person is sure that treatment with this drug did not bring the desired result, then he should check several points:
- the presence of worms in the body;
- correct application;
- determination of dosage.
If everything is correct, then you need to choose another anthelmintic drug. Better yet, contact a parasitologist.
There are analogues that can be used in such cases. For example: Pirantel-Vishva, Vormil, Helmintox, Nemozol. If Nemozol is prescribed for children, then reviews from mothers can be read here.
Main manufacturers of the drug
The medicine Pirantel is produced in Russia, the USA, France, Poland and many other countries. This fact is explained by its relative low cost and high efficiency.
Basically, the cost of the container and packaging of the drug always depends on the manufacturer. The cheapest medicines in our country, as well as in India and Poland.
Pirantel has achieved popularity and trust of many millions of consumers and parasitologists, thanks to its affordable cost and undeniable effectiveness. The drug Pirantel is sold in any pharmacy, and Pirantel in suspension allows the use of this medicine in the treatment of children.
Causes and first symptoms of infection
Worms or helminths are worms that parasitize the body, multiplying in the internal organs (liver, heart, lungs), muscles, under the skin, gradually poisoning the body of their host. Over time, worms cause tissue necrosis and other diseases that are a consequence of weakened immunity.
In our country, the following representatives of helminths are most often found:
- pinworms are small white worms that are not very dangerous, but are unpleasant because they cause itching, reaching up to 1.5 centimeters in length;
- tapeworm is the most common representative of tapeworms, capable of growing up to several meters and living in the host’s body for up to 20-30 years;
- roundworms - capable of reaching 40 centimeters in length; they are dangerous because they can live in all organs of the human body, except the intestines.
How exactly do worms enter the body?
- eating poorly washed vegetables and fruits;
- drinking unboiled water, for example from a tap or from an unknown source on the street;
- dirty hands after visiting a public toilet, touching other people or objects in public places;
- worm eggs are also present in fish and meat if they are poorly thermally processed;
- insects can become dangerous carriers of parasites.
Symptoms indicating the presence of worms in humans and the need for treatment:
- problems with stool, constant constipation may alternate with severe diarrhea;
- dizziness and weakness;
- memory impairment, irritability and constant fatigue;
- the desire to eat as much as possible, but at the same time the patient’s weight decreases;
- bad breath;
- developmental disorder in children.
If the above symptoms are observed, there is a high probability of having worms in the body. In this case, you need to consult a parasitologist, undergo a diagnostic course and take the necessary tests to identify parasites. In most cases, treatment of helminthic infestation occurs by taking medications such as pyrantel and a number of analogues.
Pharmacological characteristics
Pyrantel is an anthelmintic that affects nematodes (a class of parasitic roundworms). The drug has an effect on both helminths in the early stages of development and their mature forms.
As studies and reviews of Pyrantel show, the drug is effective against such types of parasites as ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides), pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), trichocephalosis pathogens (Trichostrongylus orientalis and Trichostrongylus colubriformis) and hookworms (Ancylostoma doudenale, Necator americanus).
The mechanism of action of the drug is based on its ability to cause neuromuscular blockade in parasites sensitive to it, as a result of which their removal from the digestive tract is facilitated.
Side effects
Pyrantel for worms is usually well tolerated by the body, but sometimes side effects may occur. Let's list them:
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and lack of appetite;
- general weakness, irritability, insomnia;
- hyperthermia, drowsiness, dizziness, migraine;
- rashes on the skin in the form of an allergic rash.
At what age can it be taken?
Pyrantel (suspension), whose instructions for use for children allow use from 6 months, is prescribed with caution until the age of 6 years. The restriction applies to children whose body weight is less than 10 kg. For children over 3 years of age, the use of Pirantel tablets is allowed, but the suspension is more convenient (not all children swallow tablets well).
Pyrantel is a suspension, the instructions for use for children suggest oral administration without any special preparation.
Regardless of the prescribed course and dose, general recommendations are as follows:
- it is not necessary to combine the intake with enemas or laxatives; Pyrantel suspension. The instructions for use state that there is no need to use enemas and laxatives as a supplement.
- You should shake the bottle before use - the contents should become homogeneous, without sediment. If the course is more than 1 day, the suspension must be mixed before each dose;
- The medicine should be given to the child while eating food or immediately after. There are no restrictions regarding the time of admission (morning or evening);
- if enterobiasis is detected, everyone who lives with the child must take the drug at the same time; treatment of helminthic infections in pets is also indicated;
- Let's allow 3 courses according to the scheme - on 1, 3 and 21 days or 1 and 21 days - strictly after consultation with a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
To make sure that the therapy was effective, a repeat stool test will help after some time (depending on the level of infection and the regimen of administration, usually 2 weeks).
Analogs
If it is necessary to change the drug, it is important to consult a doctor. Independent selection of an analogue medicine can result in serious adverse reactions, since the drugs differ in the main active ingredients and auxiliary ingredients
When treatment with Pirantel is not possible, the doctor may prescribe one of the following drugs:
"Pyrantel" is an effective and relatively safe treatment for helminthiasis in children of any age, including infants over six months.
When used correctly and following the instructions, the medicine does not cause negative reactions and does not have a toxic effect on internal organs, which is why Pirantel is one of the most popular drugs in pediatric practice.
The drug Pirantel, according to the instructions for use, is effective for the treatment of helminthic infections and is available in the form of a suspension, convenient for use in children. Following the instructions and understanding the principles of action of the product will make the use of the drug as safe as possible.
How to use?
The dose of the drug required to combat worms is calculated taking into account:
For example, to combat roundworms in adults you need to take:
If there is a need to take a suspension, then it should be taken into account that 5 milliliters of medicine is approximately equal to 1 tablet. The course of treatment with Pyrantel for ascariasis is 3-4 days; only the attending physician, who has the opportunity to observe the clinical picture and take into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, can say more precisely.
The dosage for hookworm infection is calculated a little differently. "Pyrantel" should be taken at the rate of 2 tablets or 10 milliliters of suspension per 10 kilograms of body weight.
If the patient is diagnosed with necatoriasis, which has severe manifestations, the dose can be doubled.
For prevention
Pyrantel is a suspension, the instructions for use for children suggest taking it only if there is a confirmed infection with worms in the child or members of his family. There are no “official” prophylactic doses of the drug.
If there are provoking factors (communication with animals, visiting a preschool), it is permissible to take the drug once every six months at a dose agreed with the pediatrician or infectious disease specialist. However, more often than not, experts consider preventive treatment to be unjustified, preferring the timely detection of existing helminthiasis and its treatment.
Following this, it is recommended to follow this algorithm:
- Boil or steam your underwear and bed linen.
- If there are animals in the house, eliminate helminthic infestations from them; veterinary drugs or Pyrantel in a dose selected by a veterinarian are suitable for this.
- Conduct a general cleaning of the house, treat upholstered furniture and child’s toys.
- After 14 days, take a stool test.
As general rules for the prevention of helminthiases:
- washing hands before eating and/or after playing in the sandbox or interacting with animals;
- refusal to consume unboiled water, unwashed vegetables and fruits, meat and fish that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment;
- daily replacement of underwear, steaming or boiling bedding.
The effect of Pirantel on worms
The drug has a wide range of effects and effectively fights pinworms, roundworms and a number of other parasites that can infect the human body. The active substance Pirantel blocks the neuromuscular impulses of helminths, as a result, mature and young individuals simply die due to paralysis.
Unfortunately, the active substance of the drug cannot fight the larvae and eggs of parasites. Therefore, doctors often prescribe a second course of taking Pirantel to completely deworm the body. Naturally, the correct dosage of the drug is necessary; it is important to take into account the patient’s age, his weight, as well as the degree of helminth damage to the body.
Taking Pirantel is possible only after consultation and prescription of the drug by a specialist!
| Age | Drug dose |
| children from 6 months. up to 2 years | 125 mg. |
| children from 2 to 6 years old | 250 mg. |
| children from 6 to 12 years old | 500 mg. |
| children over 12 years of age and adults weighing less than 75 kg. | 750 mg. |
| adults weighing more than 75 kg. | 1000 mg. |
Pyrantel is a modern medicine that, although it is a toxic drug, does not have a negative effect on human health when used in the correct dosage.
2-3 hours after taking Pirantel, the active substance is distributed throughout the bloodstream and reaches its maximum concentration. After 20-25 hours, the concentration of the active substance in the body decreases to a minimum. Pyrantel is excreted from the body mainly in feces; a small part of the drug remains in the body and will gradually be excreted in the urine and through the sweat glands.
Appearance and composition
The suspension is available for sale in glass bottles of different capacities (5, 10, 15 and 25 ml). Each 5 ml contains 250 mg of the active substance - pyrantel in the form of the compound pyrantel pamoate.
Among the auxiliary components of the composition:
- sodium benzoate – preservative food additive;
- carmellose sodium (cellulose gum) – thickener;
- magnesium aluminum silicate – a non-toxic stabilizer that maintains the uniformity of the suspension;
- sorbitol is a sweetener that has a laxative effect in large doses;
- glycerol is a food additive that ensures mixing of the components of the mixture to produce an emulsion;
- polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier, the raw material for the production of which is olive oil;
- povidone is a sorbent designed to absorb and remove toxins from the intestines that are formed during the death of parasites;
- citric acid – flavoring agent and preservative;
- simethicone - reduces flatulence and bloating, removing gases without discomfort;
- flavorings;
- water (up to 5 ml).
The list of excipients in the composition may vary significantly among suspensions from different manufacturers. If a child has an intolerance to any components, it makes sense to pay attention to Pirantel from another company.
The drug is available in tablet form for adults and children over 12 years of age and in a liquid suspension that children can drink. The content of active pyrantel is 250 mg per tablet or 5 ml in suspension.
The active ingredient, pyrantel, coincides with the name of the drug. As additional ingredients, the instructions for use state:
- corn starch;
- gelatin;
- flavor enhancer sodium starch gluconate;
- emulsifier E572 (magnesium stearic acid);
- talc.
The liquid version is supplemented with chocolate essence and drinking water.
Side effects of the drug and precautions
Pyrantel is the safest drug among its analogues. It is believed that it has no contraindications for use, except for an allergic reaction to the substances contained in the drug.
The following categories of people should refrain from using the drug:
- For nursing mothers.
- Pregnant women.
- Children under 6 months of age.
- People with kidney diseases.
This remedy will not cause any particular harm to the categories of people described above, but it can cause complications or be transmitted to a newborn baby during breastfeeding. Therefore, in order not to create unnecessary stress on the body, consult a specialist about the use of Pirantel.
As a rule, side effects during treatment are extremely rare. Typically, such problems appear if the dosage of Pyrantel used to treat children does not correspond to the table described above.
Then, the patient may encounter the following troubles:
- Vomiting, nausea.
- Lack of appetite.
- Diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea.
- Pain in the stomach.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Weakness.
- Drowsiness.
- Skin rash.
- Even less common are hallucinations or confusion.
That is why, before giving Pirantel to your baby, consult a specialist and clarify the optimal dose, based on the characteristics of the child’s body. If he has an allergic reaction to the pharmacological substances contained in the drug, the doctor will select another medicine that does not cause discomfort.
Pyrantel is the most popular antiparasitic drug for children, because it is highly effective against nematodes and is low cost. On average, the price of Pirantel fluctuates between 50-70 rubles. per bottle, however, this is influenced by the territorial size of the city and the prestige of the pharmacy. Therefore, if you want to buy Pyrantel cheap, go around the pharmacies in your area and you will find a quality medicine at an affordable price.
Description of the drug, action, indications for use
Pyrantel, like Helmintox, belongs to the group of drugs against worms, which are also effective for giardiasis.
Ascariasis is also treatable. It has an excellent effect on parasites of different ages; both sexes of worms are affected. For giardiasis, the medicine affects only mature individuals.
Under the influence of Pyrantel, the pest is immobilized, after which it is easily removed from the body, without harm to health. Only the larvae of parasites are resistant to the drug, so it is necessary to re-treat after some time. It is contraindicated to treat children under six months of age with Pirantel, even with giardiasis. Children under two years of age are prescribed a suspension form.
The drug is available in the form of regular tablets and a sweet suspension. The tablets are yellow and look like capsules with a dividing line. The active ingredient is pyrantel pomoate in an amount of 250 milligrams. The composition is supplemented with starch, food gelatin, medicinal gum, pharmaceutical talc, magnesium stearate powder, silicon dioxide powder.
The suspension is a yellowish viscous liquid. Designed for oral administration of 50 milligrams per milliliter. For every 5 milliliters of the drug there are 250 milligrams of the main component. It is usually supplemented with sodium methylparaben, food grade saccharin, food grade citrate, natural sucrose, food grade lemon acid, and sorbitol alcohol 70%. The suspension has a chocolate taste.
Pyrantel is prescribed for a huge range of diseases. It is equally effective against many types of worms. Helps with:
- Hookworms.
- Hookworms.
- Ascariasis.
- Therapy for nekartosis.
- Therapy for trichurosis.
- Treatment of enterobiasis.
- giardiasis.
More than half of the drug passes through the intestines unchanged, thereby achieving the maximum effect directly in the intestines. Parasites exposed to its action cannot move and are simply excreted along with the feces. When prescribing a repeat course, it is necessary to take into account the development cycle of specific worms so that newly appeared individuals do not have time to lay eggs.
This drug is excreted, like Helmintox, in feces. Practically does not penetrate into biological fluids of the body. How long does it take for metabolic by-products to be released? In about a day.
Pyrantel tablets are packaged in paper blisters of 3 pieces and in a cardboard box. Can also be packed in 3 pieces in aluminum foil and in a box. The suspension is packaged in 15 milliliters in plastic bottles enclosed in a cardboard box.
Instantly copes with worms, especially pinworms. It is often used in the treatment of children attending kindergartens after pinworms and other parasites have been identified.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yi8LrTUv2CM
Precautions when taking pyrantel
The drug is distinguished by its safety - numerous patient reviews confirm this. However, you should not make common mistakes, which include the following:
- combination of pyrantel with alcohol - no matter how much time has passed since the moment of administration, drinking alcohol during treatment is prohibited;
- simultaneous use with other antiparasitic drugs is unacceptable;
- It is advisable to follow a diet excluding fatty and smoked foods.
When the desired effect is achieved and the worms begin to come out, there is no need to relax. At this stage, compliance with personal hygiene rules is of particular importance.
This is more important for children. They are often susceptible to re-infection - pathogen eggs can persist for a long time under the nails or on underwear
Thorough hand washing with soap and daily change of linen during treatment are mandatory.
Symptoms of helminthic infestation
Children, especially younger ones, are often not immune from parasite infection. This is facilitated by:
- active games outside, for example, in a sandbox;
- spending time together with other children: hugs, passing toys, etc.;
- dirty hands.
When visiting children's institutions and having pets, especially those requiring street walking, the risk of infection increases.
The most common parasites are helminths (lower worms), more precisely pinworms and roundworms. When they settle in the body, they negatively affect it, causing a deficiency of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
Parents should be wary if their child shows the following signs of the presence of helminths:
- bowel dysfunction: constipation or diarrhea;
- disruptions in the digestive system;
- general weakness and increased fatigue;
- vitamin deficiency and deficiency conditions.
Any of the symptoms indicates a disturbance in the body’s functioning, and the cause of this may be worms. To establish a diagnosis, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. Only a doctor can determine the cause of the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Quite often, to eliminate parasites, a child is prescribed the drug Pirantel in the form of a suspension. Its popularity is associated with a certain composition and pharmacological action.
Pharmacological properties and effect on the child
The active ingredient of the drug quickly penetrates to the lesion and acts only in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, so Pirantel can be used to treat infants over 6 months.
The medicine causes neuromuscular paralysis of the worms, blocks the transmission of nerve impulses and interferes with motor activity. Paralyzed worms are deprived of the ability to attach to mucous membranes, so they quickly die from lack of nutrition.
Worms are excreted from the body in feces. The peculiarity of "Pirantel" is that its use does not need to be combined with taking laxatives and cleansing enemas (unlike most anthelmintic drugs).
Animal treatment
In veterinary practice, pyrantel is used in the treatment of dogs, cats and other domestic animals. It is also prescribed for the treatment of horses and, less commonly, pigs, sheep, and cattle. But pyrantel is not the best drug for treating animals in terms of effectiveness, although due to its relatively low toxicity its use may be justified.
To treat animals, it is necessary to accurately determine the dosage of the drug. If you prescribe an insufficient amount of the drug, the required effectiveness will not be obtained. In case of overdose, negative consequences for the animal are possible.
Pyrantel effectively rids animals of gastrointestinal nematodes. When compared with other drugs used in veterinary medicine against helminths, this drug has virtually no negative effects. The dose of the medicine is selected taking into account the weight of the animal. The larger it is, the less amount of the drug is used per 1 kg of body weight. So, for an adult dog weighing more than 2.5 kg, about 5 mg/kg is used. Puppies and small dogs weighing up to 2.5 kg should be given approximately 10 mg/kg of the active substance. For cats, the dosage is the same. Although the instructions for tablets or suspensions usually indicate a higher dose, often even 2 times or more.
Pyrantel is part of the complex treatment of oxyurosis in horses. The average dose is 5 mg per 1 kg of weight. For the treatment of ascariasis and enterobiasis, as a rule, a single dose is sufficient. If mixed helminthiasis is diagnosed, a dosage of 10 mg per 1 kg of animal weight is prescribed.
The exact dosage of pyrantel for animals should be checked on the packaging, since different drugs contain different amounts of the active substance. In addition, in veterinary medicine, especially for cats and dogs, in addition to pyrantel, there is often another active substance in the composition.
Is Pirantel harmful?
Pyrantel is recommended for use by the World Health Organization, is used throughout the world, and is included in the list of vital medicines. When the dosage is selected correctly, the drug is safe for children and adults.
More dangerous is exceeding the dose or dosage regimen (for example, using at one time a volume of the drug designed for a three-day course). This can lead to severe poisoning of the body.
This is not due to the active component (it is absorbed in minimal quantities), but to the massive death of parasites, with the instant release of a large amount of toxins. Such cases are not uncommon with extensive worm infestation.
This may cause:
- nausea and vomiting;
- stomach ache;
- distortion of taste sensations;
- heat;
- rash;
- dizziness, sleep disturbance, increased fatigue.
Over more than 50 years of use of Pyrantel, isolated cases of development of blood cancer in children while taking it have been reported. However, against the background of the side effects of more aggressive analogues of the drug (Albendazole and Mebendazole), which are more often capable of causing hematopoietic disorders, Pirantel is recognized as a gentle drug.
Real application experience
These reviews were received from practicing doctors and real people who observed the effects of Phycomp in practice.
Professional opinion
There was a case in my practice when a patient underwent a course of therapy with Perampanel for up to six months. Not a single attack has been recorded for 4 years.
Apollonov I. V., neurologist
I can only describe the effect of Perampanel on the good side; no failures or any serious negative reactions were observed during the course of therapy.
I have quite a lot of work experience, and in my area people with varying degrees of epilepsy are registered. Based on the complexity of the disease, I prescribe the required dosage of Fycomp and prescribe a full course of treatment from six months to a year. No cases of relapse have been observed so far.
Khaibusheva L. A, epileptologist
Patients' opinions
I have been taking the medicine for 3 months and during this period I began to feel that my fear of attacks had disappeared. Which, by the way, has never happened to me since I started taking this medicine.
I plan to undergo the entire course of therapy, which is expensive for a person with an average income, but health is more important.
Viktorova M. A
My son began to develop epilepsy at the age of 7; he was treated with various drugs that reduced the frequency of attacks. Upon reaching the age of 12, the doctor recommended trying Fycompa. Comparing this medicine with other medicines, I understand that Perampanel’s effect is much stronger.
4 months have passed since the start of treatment and my son has not had a single attack. Although previously they were repeated with a frequency of up to 1-2 times a month.
Zinaida Petrovna, 43
I strongly recommend not to skip taking your medication, but also to complete the full course of treatment. From their own experience they can say that after 2 months of treatment I stopped taking Fycompa and after a couple of days I had an attack, so be careful about the regularity of taking the drug.
Perevezentsev A. N.
Thus, the following advantages of the drug can be noted:
- proven effectiveness of treatment;
- relative accessibility.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the long course of treatment (accordingly, significant material costs).
Subtleties of treatment
Pirantel, like many other medications, has certain treatment features:
- Not in all cases, a single dose of the drug is enough for complete recovery. The question of the number of days to take the drug is decided initially or after repeated tests.
- If a patient has pinworms, parasitologists strongly recommend taking Pirantel to all family members.
- In order to avoid the risk of repeated self-infection with worms, which often happens with enterobiasis, after 20 days it is advisable to take Pirantel a second time.
- It is better to choose the morning time to take pills. They should be chewed well and washed down with plenty of liquid.
- When treating with Pirantel, you should not take any other anthelmintic drugs.
- It is strictly not advisable to drink alcoholic beverages, which alter the absorption process of the medicine.
- Pyrantel is a non-toxic drug, but its dosage for adults or small children must be approved by the attending physician.
- If it is impossible to use Pirantel, its analogues “Kombantrin”, “Nemotsid”, “Helmintox” will serve as the best helpers.
Trade names and prices
This active substance is part of such anthelmintic drugs as Helmintox, Nemotsid, Pirantel. The country of origin can be India, France, England, and you can also find domestic analogues.
Despite its high efficiency, the product has an acceptable cost. In Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries, tablets can be purchased at a price of approximately 0.4-0.5 dollars. for 750 mg of the drug - this will be one dose for an average adult. The suspension is sold a little more expensive, its cost in pharmacies starts from about 0.9 dollars. The price of the drug greatly depends on the manufacturer and the region where sales are made.
In veterinary medicine, a fairly well-known drug containing pyrantel as an active substance is Pyraprasit. It comes in different types and may contain only pyrantel as the active substance and other components, for example, praziquantel and febantel.
Pirantel deworming tablets: additional information about the medicine
When taking Pyrantel, you should carefully observe the dosage of the drug. Although it is poorly absorbed into the blood, it can cause intoxication of the body. Instructions for taking pills for deworming Pirantel contain special instructions that should be taken into account during anthelmintic therapy.
Special instructions:
- Unlike some treatment methods, Pirantel is in no way associated with the simultaneous use of laxative medications. The drug has a paralyzing effect on the worms, so they are removed from the intestines naturally - just like processed foods.
- If a person lives in an apartment with other family members, then Pirantel tablets for worms must be taken by all loved ones. This is due to the fact that worms can easily become infected through household items and personal belongings.
- Persons whose work requires increased attention or who drive vehicles should exercise caution, as the effect of the drug may cause drowsiness, weakness or dizziness.
- After intensive release of worms from the intestines, the risk of re-infection increases, therefore, all family members need to be more careful about personal hygiene.
- The simultaneous use of Pirantel and alcohol increases the risk of toxic poisoning of the body.
- If there are animals in the house (cats, dogs), then they also need to be treated with Pirantel. Anti-worm tablets must be divided into doses prescribed by the veterinarian, or you can buy medicine specifically designed for animals.
Terms of sale and storage
Pirantel deworming tablets are available to any consumer and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription at any nearby pharmacy.
The price for a package of three tablets ranges from 23 to 38 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and the seller’s price tag. The suspension costs from 40 to 65 rubles.
The medicine must be stored in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Access to the medicine for children should be limited.
The drug is valid for three years from the date of release. After the expiration date, you cannot take Pirantel anti-worm tablets. Opened suspension can be stored for no more than forty days.
Operating principle
The drug breaks the neuromuscular connections of helminths (parasitic worms) that are sensitive to the active substance. As a result, adult individuals lose mobility, detach from the walls of the digestive tract and die. Natural contractions of the intestinal muscles help remove worms from the feces.
Taking the suspension allows you to eliminate sexually mature helminths and parasites at the initial stage of development. At the same time, the drug is characterized by reduced toxicity.
The drug is absorbed in the intestines in minimal quantities; 93% of the dose received is removed from the body unchanged in the feces.
