Piperazine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Piperazine?

What is piperazine for?

Piperazine belongs to a family of drugs called anthelmintics. Anthelmintic is a drug used in the treatment of worm infections.

Piperazine is used to treat common roundworms (ascariasis) and pinworms (pinworms, oxyuriasis).

Piperazine works by paralyzing worms, which are then excreted in feces. Piperazine is only available by prescription.

How to use piperazine?

No special preparations or other steps (for example, special diets, fasting, taking other medicines, laxatives, or enemas) are needed before, during, or immediately after you take piperazine.

Piperazine can be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the drug in a certain way, do it exactly as directed

For patients using the granular form of drinking directly:

• dissolve the contents of 1 packet of granules in 57 mL (about 2 ounces) of water, milk, or fruit juice
• be sure to drink all fluids to get the full dose

Take piperazine according to directions. Don't take more than that and don't take it more often than what your doctor ordered. Excessive doses can increase the chance of serious side effects.

To help clear up your infection completely, take piperazine in regular doses as directed by your doctor. In some infections, a second treatment with piperazine may be needed to clear the infection completely. Don't miss any doses.

For patients taking piperazine for pinworms: pinworms can easily be transmitted from one person to another, especially among people in the same household. Therefore, all members of the household should probably be treated at the same time to prevent infection or re-worming.

How is piperazine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Piperazine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the piperazine dosage for adults?

Granules for dosage in the form of a ready-to-drink solution:

For common roundworms or pinworms:

Adults and teenagers - 2 grams three times a day for one day. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

Available forms of ready-to-drink suspension:

For common roundworms or pinworms:

Adults and teenagers - 1.8 grams every four hours for a total of three doses in one day. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

For dosage in tablet form:

For common roundworms:

Adults and teenagers - 3.5 grams (piperazine hexahydrate) per day for two consecutive days. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week.

For pinworms:

The dosage for adults and children is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. However, the usual dose is 65 mg (piperazine hexahydrate) per kilogram (29.5 mg per pound) of body weight per day for seven consecutive days. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week.

What is the piperazine dosage for children?

For granules in the form of a ready-to-drink solution:

For common roundworms or pinworms:

Dosage for children is based on age and / or body weight. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

• ages up to 2 years: dose must be determined by your doctor
• ages 2 to 8 years: 2 grams once a day for one day
• ages 8 to 14 years: 2 grams twice daily for one day

For the dosage in the form of a ready-to-drink suspension:

For common roundworms or pinworms:

Dosage in children is based on age. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

• ages up to 2 years: 600 milligrams (mg) every four hours for a total of three doses in one day
• ages 2 to 8 years: 1.2 grams every six hours for a total of two doses in one day
• ages 8 to 14 years: 1.2 grams every four hours for a total of three doses in one day

For dosage in tablet form:

For common roundworms:

Dosage for children is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. However, the usual dose is 75 mg (piperazine hexahydrate) per kilogram (34 mg per pound) of body weight per day for two consecutive days. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week.

For pinworms:

The dosage for adults and children is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. However, the usual dose is 65 mg (piperazine hexahydrate) per kilogram (29.5 mg per pound) of body weight per day for seven consecutive days. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week.

In what dosage is piperazine available?

• tablet
• syrup

Piperazine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to piperazine?

Along with its benefits, this drug can cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects can occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Several side effects can occur and usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may disappear during treatment as your body begins to adjust to the medication. Your healthcare professional may be able to advise you on ways to prevent or reduce some side effects. Check with your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects persist or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Piperazine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using piperazine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Children may be especially sensitive to the effects of piperazine. This can increase the chance of side effects during treatment.

Elderly

There have been no precise studies to date on a specific problem in the elderly that will limit the use of Piperazine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), which may require caution in patients taking Piperazine.

Is piperazine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Piperazine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with piperazine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with piperazine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider

What health conditions can interact with piperazine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Kidney illness
• liver disease - may have an increased risk of side effects
• seizure disorder, especially a history of epilepsy - Piperazine might make the condition worse.

Piperazine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.