Piperazine and Senna

About piperazine & senna

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.

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