Piperazine & Senna

About Piperazine & Senna

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Anthelmintics.

This medicine is used to treat threadworm and roundworm infections.

This medicine is available in oral powder form.

It is also sometimes known as: Pripsen.. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Piperazine & Senna

Before taking this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer form kidney or liver problems
• if you suffer from any neurological condition or epilepsy
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Piperazine & Senna

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• The content of one sachet should be stirred into a small glass of milk or water and drunk immediately.
• Adults should take the dose of this preparation at bedtime. The dose should be repeated after fourteen days.
• Children (under six years of age) should take the dose of this medicine in the morning. Only one dual dose should be given in any twenty eight day period to children under ten years of age without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this medicine.
• Threadworms are minute 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 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 bedding, carpets, towels and into the house dust. They can also get on to food and can be eaten.

Important: To prevent re-infection

• Wash hands and scrub nails before preparing or eating a meal, and after each visit to the toilet.
• Bathing or showering immediately after waking will wash away any eggs laid during the night and help prevent re-infection.
• Disinfect the toilet seat, handle and door handle regularly.
• Vacuum carpet daily, and disinfect 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 symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), tummy pain, diarrhoea, skin rash, restricted breathing, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle spasm, lack of co-ordination.

Important: If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, breathing difficulties with or without swelling, or an itchy rash (similar to nettle rash or hives) stop taking this medicine and see your doctor immediately.

You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other symptoms not mentioned in this leaflet.

How to store Piperazine & Senna

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/10/2003