Pyrantel embonate in treatment of hookworm infestation

Abstract

The efficacy of pyrantel embonate (1,4,5,6–tetrahydro–1 – methyl–2–(trans–2–(2–thienyl)–vinyl)–pyrimidine embonic acid salt; Combantrin) was evaluated in 60 cases of hookworm infestation. They were divided into six groups of 10 cases. Pyrantel embonate was administered orally, in dosage schedules (randomized) of 100, 75, 50, 20, 15, and 10 mg/kg of body weight. The stool examination for hookworm ova and coproculture were positive in each case. The predominant species was Ancylostoma duodenale (in 58 patients). After treatment with pyrantel embonate the stool examination for hookworm ova and copro–culture were negative on the 16th and 15th days in each group. The blood levels of the drug were significantly higher in patients receiving 100 and 75 mg/kg body weight. In groups A and B one patient experienced nausea and vomiting on the day of administration of drug. There were no abnormal changes in liver function. © 1971, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.