Avizine

Piperazine is an anthelmintic used for the treatment of helminthiasis or worm infections.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

The effects of this drug may be more profound in children which can increase the chance of side effects during treatment. It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if it causes different side effects or problems in older people. Data comparing the use of piperazine in the elderly with use in other age groups are still unavailable.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Seizure disorder

There are no preparations needed before, during, or immediately after you take this drug. You can take this drug with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. The contents of 1 packet of granules must be dissolved in 57 mL of water, milk, or fruit juice. Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of drug. Take this drug only as directed.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.  This drug must be taken in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your healthcare professional for complete drug therapy. A second treatment with this drug may be required to clear up the infection completely.

Pinworms can be transmitted easily from one person to another, especially among persons in the same household. It is recommended that all household members may have to be treated at the same time to prevent their infection or reinfection. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and teenagers with common roundworms or pinworms are given 2 grams three times a day for one day. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

The dose in children is based on age and/or body weight. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks. The dose in children up to 2 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. Children 2 to 8 years of age are given 2 grams once a day for one day. Children 8 to 14 years of age are given 2 grams two times a day for one day.

Adults and teenagers with common roundworms or pinworms are given 1.8 grams every four hours for a total of three doses in one day. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks. The dose in children is based on age. Treatment may need to be repeated in two weeks.

Children up to 2 years of age are given 600 milligrams every four hours for a total of three doses in one day. Children 2 to 8 years of age are given 1.2 grams every six hours for a total of two doses in one day. Children 8 to 14 years of age are given 1.2 grams every four hours for a total of three doses in one day. Adults and teenagers with common roundworms are given 3.5 grams per day for two days in a row. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week.

The dose in children is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The usual dose is 75 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for two days in a row. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week. The dose in adults and children with pinworms is based on body weight and must be determined by your healthcare professional. The usual dose is 65 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for seven days in a row. Treatment may need to be repeated in one week. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible.

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Check with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse after you have taken this drug for the full course of treatment.

After treatment with this drug, pinworms may return and it is recommended to wash all bedding and nightclothes after treatment to prevent this.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear.

Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.