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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Piperazine and Senna

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Piperazine and Senna

  • Read and follow carefully the directions that come with this preparation.
  • Wash your hands and scrub your nails before preparing or eating a meal, and after each visit to the toilet.

About piperazine & senna

Type of medicineAnthelmintic
Used forTreatment of threadworm and roundworm infections
Also calledPripsen®
Available asOral powder

Threadworms are small parasites, which live inside the bowel for a short time. Threadworms are also known as pinworms. They are relatively common in children and adults, and can be easily passed from one person to another. The female parasite lays her eggs around the anus (back passage) which causes irritation. When the person scratches the area it allows the tiny eggs to get under the fingernails. If the fingers are then put in the mouth (for instance, during sleep) the eggs may be swallowed. The worms then develop in the bowel and produce more eggs. Eggs can easily get onto food, bedding, carpets, towels and into the house dust and be transferred to other people.

Piperazine works by paralysing the worms in the bowel. This allows them to be easily dislodged and removed from the gut in the faeces. Senna works by increasing the movement of the gut and speeds up this removal process.

Before taking piperazine & senna

Before taking piperazine & senna make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have any obstruction of the bowel.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take piperazine & senna

  • Read the printed information leaflet before beginning treatment and take this powder exactly as directed.
  • Adults and children over 6 years: Stir the contents of one sachet into a small glass of milk or water, and drink immediately. Adults should take the dose at bedtime whilst children should take the dose in a morning.
  • Children 3 months to 6 years: The dose for infants between 3 months and 1 year is 2.5 ml of powder, and the dose for children between 1 year and 6 years is 5ml of powder. Take the dose in a morning stirred into milk or water.
  • For threadworm infections, take a second dose (as above) after fourteen days.
  • For roundworm infections, repeat the dose above once each month for up to 3 months (that is no more than three doses in total). If the infection is in a child under ten years of age, only two doses in total should be given without first speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

To prevent re-infection:

  • Wash your hands and scrub your nails before preparing or eating a meal, and after each visit to the toilet.
  • Have a bath or shower immediately after waking to wash away any eggs laid during the night.
  • Disinfect the toilet seat, handle, and door handle regularly.
  • Vacuum carpets daily, and disinfect all work surfaces.
  • Keep fingernails short and clean.
  • Wear pyjamas or pants in bed.
  • Have a separate towel for each member of the family.
  • Change and wash clothing and bedding frequently.
  • Everyone in the family should take the first dose of this medicine on the same day.

Can piperazine & senna cause problems

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, colicEat little and often, and stick to simple foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids

Important: If you develop difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth or throat, then contact a doctor straight away or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store piperazine & senna

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 1463DocRef: dils2178Last Reviewed: 19 Feb 2009Version: 22
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