Uses of Melphin: - Worm infections Enterobiasis, Ascariasis, Worm infections, Trichinosis Hypersensitivity

Anthelmintic

Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, thereby causing sudden contraction, followed by paralysis, of the helminths. This has the result of causing the worm to "lose its grip" on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the system by natural process. Since Pyrantel is poorly absorbed by the host's intestine, the host is unaffected by the small dosage of medication used. Spastic (tetanic) paralyzing agents, in particular pyrantel pamoate, may induce complete intestinal obstruction in a heavy worm load. This obstruction is usually in the form of a worm impaction and happens when a very small, but heavily parasitized animal is treated and tries to pass a large number of dislodged worms at once. Worms usually pass in normal stool or with diarrhea, straining, and occasional vomiting.

How to use Pyrantel Pamoate: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pyrantel Pamoate may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. Adult Dose: Oral Single or mixed infections due to susceptible worms Adult: 10 mg/kg as a single dose. Ascariasis Adult: 5 mg/kg as a single dose. Max: 1 g/dose. For mass treatment programmes: 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose given 3-4 times a yr. Necatoriasis Adult: 10 mg/kg daily for 3-4 days or 20 mg/kg daily for 2 days. Enterobiasis Adult: 10 mg/kg repeated once after 2-4 wk. Max dose: 1 g/dose. Trichinosis Adult: 10 mg/kg daily for 5 days. Child Dose: <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established Oral Single or mixed infections due to susceptible worms Child: 10 mg/kg as a single dose.

Potentially Fatal: Mutually antagonistic with piperazine.

Hypersensitivity

Common - Headache - Dizziness - Nausea - Hair loss - Vomiting - Abnormal liver function tests - Fever - Abdominal pain - Vertigo Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, drowsiness, insomnia, diarrhoea, tenesmus, SGOT elevations, headache, dizziness, rash.

Pregnancy: Since Pyrantel Pamoate has not been studied in pregnant women, use of Pyrantel Pamoate in such patients is normally contraindicated. Pyrantel Pamoate is not recommended for children below 1 year of age.

Precaution: Liver dysfunction, anaemia or severe malnutrition. Treat members in close contact with the patient.

Pyrantel is effective against roundworms (Ascaris), threadworms (Enterobius), hookworms and Trichostrongylus. Not effective against whipworm. Acts by paralysing the worms which get detached and are excreted by intestinal peristalsis.