Comparison of Pyrantel Pamoate and Piperazine Phosphate in the Treatment of Ascariasis *

Abstract

Abstract The effect of pyrantel pamoate was compared with that of piperazine phosphate in the treatment of ascariasis, the results being expressed in terms of quantitative egg counts. Pyrantel pamoate, in a single oral dose of 10.0 mg per kg of body weight, achieved a cure rate of 90% on day 3 and 100% on day 10 after treatment. Administration of 5.0 mg and 2.5 mg per kg similarly achieved early and pronounced reduction of egg output with a cure rate of 90% by day 10. In patients not cured, mean reduction of egg output was almost complete with the 10.0-mg treatment and 88% with the 2.5-mg treatment calculated throughout days 8, 9, and 10. Standard oral treatment with piperazine phosphate achieved a cure rate of 71% by day 10, significantly less than that with 2.5 mg of pyrantel pamoate. In patients not cured, a mean reduction in egg output of 72% was achieved, as calculated throughout days 1, 2, and 3, with no further improvement. Other than transient abdominal colic in a few patients during the early posttreatment period, no obvious drug-related symptoms were observed. No trend of abnormality was noted in either serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase or alkaline phosphatase levels after pyrantel pamoate treatment.