• Pripsen is used for the eradication of threadworms (pinworms) and roundworms
• No artificial colouring
• Sugar free

Pripsen is a powder for oral suspension. The powder contains piperazine which paralyses the worms which are then evacuated by the laxative action of standardised senna. The first dose of Pripsen treats the adult threadworms, but the eggs are left behind. The second dose, taken 14 days later, treats the young worms that have hatched from the eggs before they are old enough to have laid any eggs themselves.

Pripsen Mebendazole Tablets are available to treat children over 2 years old and adults.

How to use Pripsen Powder:

The correct dose of powder should be stirred into a small glass of milk or water and drunk immediately. It should be taken at bedtime by adults and in the morning by children.

For children under 10 years: only one dual dose treatment should be given in any 28 day period without seeking medical advice.

Directions when treating Threadworm and Roundworm:

Dose:

• Adults, the elderly and children over 6 years: One Pripsen sachet
• Children aged 1 - 6 years: One level 5ml spoonful of Pripsen powder (two thirds of a sachet)
• Infants 3 months to 1 year: One level 2.5ml spoonful of Pripsen powder (one third of a sachet)

Follow up dose:

• For threadworm: take a second dose 14 days after the first dose
• For roundworm: take a second dose one month after the first dose. The dose may need to be repeated at monthly intervals for up to 3 months.

What to do if you take too much Pripsen:

If you accidentally swallow too much Pripsen you should consult a doctor, or go to the nearest hospital casualty unit as soon as possible. Take the pack with you to show which medicine you have swallowed.

Before using Pripsen Powder

Do not use Pripsen Powder if you:

• Have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Have epilepsy.
• Are suffering from a painful stomach ache, colic or have recently suffered from severe diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Are allergic to piperazine, or any other ingredient.

Consult your doctor before taking Pripsen if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Pyrantel pamoate, which may be contained in other medicines for getting rid of worms
• Sedative or anti-depressant medicines
• Medicine to help remove fluids from the body (diuretics)
• Medicine for heart problems (cardiac glycosides)
• Steroids

These medicines may react with Pripsen. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you do not know which type of medicine you are taking.

Use in pregnancy and breast feeding: As with all medicines you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Pripsen if you believe that you may be pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use within the first three months of pregnancy is not advised and unless your doctor advises that the symptoms warrant immediate treatment the administration should be postponed until after birth.

If breast feeding it is best to feed the infant immediately before taking Pripsen. Allow 8 hours before breast feeding is resumed. During this 8 hour period milk should be expressed at the usual feeding time and thrown away.

Possible side effects of Pripsen: Side effects from Pripsen are uncommon, but if they occur the most likely are allergic reactions such as rash, itching or sometimes wheezing, or mild gastrointestinal upsets such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache or diarrhoea. On a few rare occasions drowsiness, confusion, muscle spasms, dizziness, unsteadiness, tremors, jerky movement, slow reflexes, involuntary eye movements, vertigo and blurred vision have occurred. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Isolated cases of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (severe rashes on the skin and ulceration of the eyes, mouth, nose and genitals), swelling and wheals on the skin, joint pain and fever have been reported.

If you notice these or any other unwanted effects, stop using the powder and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

What Threadworms (pinworms) are: Threadworms, as their name suggests are thread-like, white worms, about half-an-inch long. They can often be seen in the stools or on the toilet paper, where they look like threads of white cotton.

Threadworms are very common, especially in children. Experts have estimated that as many as four out of every ten children suffer from threadworms, before their tenth birthday. People of all ages can catch threadworms, however careful they are about their cleanliness. Although this disorder is a nuisance, it is harmless and easily treated.

Where Threadworms come from: Threadworms cannot be caught from pets since they can only live in humans. Even the cleanest household can catch threadworms because the microscopic eggs are easily carried on clothes and bed linen, on skin, under fingernails and on food.

Threadworms are passed from person to person very easily so it is important to follow a few simple hygiene rules. If followed carefully for six weeks they will reduce the risk of threadworms coming back into your home. The most important rule is to treat the whole family on the same day and to repeat after 14 days.

Roundworms are generally much longer than threadworms and can have a longer life cycle. They can be caught from several sources, e.g. pets or soil. Where roundworm is suspected follow the specific directions given for treating roundworm.

Home Hygiene Rules:

1. Fingers and nails must be washed and scrubbed with a nail brush after each visit to the toilet, and before each meal.
2. Disinfect the toilet seat, toilet handle and chain and door handle regularly.
3. Vacuum clean bedrooms daily, damp-dust surfaces and try not to raise dust.

Personal Hygiene Rules:

1. Keep finger nails cut short.
2. Wear pyjamas or pants in bed.
3. Bathe each morning, remembering to wash your bottom thoroughly.
4. Have a towel for sole use.
5. Change and wash clothes and bed clothes regularly.

Follow these hygiene rules for six weeks from the date of the family taking the first dose of Pripsen.