Mechanism of effect
Pyrvinium is believed to interfere with glucose uptake by pinworms .
Pyrvinium is also thought to inhibit mitochondrial respiration complex 1 and suppress the unfolded protein response . It is also believed to supress the Wnt pathway by activating casein kinase 1α. These properties have led to the investigation of pyrvinium's activity against cancers like intestinal polyposis.
Pharmacodynamic
Pyrvinium is an anthelmintic agent which acts to kill pinworms .
Pharmacokinetics
Not appreciably absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.
EliminationisFecal (unchanged).
Dosage
• Usual adult and adolescent dose
* Enterobiasis (treatment)
Oral, 5 mg (base) per kg of body weight as a single dose. Repeat in two to three weeks if necessary.(Up to a maximum of 350 mg (base) in a single dose regardless of body weight.)
• Usual pediatric dose
* Enterobiasis (treatment)
Oral, 5 mg (base) per kg of body weight as a single dose. Repeat in two to three weeks if necessary. (Up to a maximum of 350 mg (base) in a single dose regardless of body weight.)
Note : Caution is recommended in children weighing less than 10 kg.
Drug contraindications
severe hypersensitivity reactionsAlerts
- Treating all household members concurrently; treating again in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Possible skin photosensitivity; avoiding unprotected exposure to sun; using protective clothing; using a sun block product that includes protection against both UVA-caused photosensitivity reactions and UVB-caused sunburn reaction; avoiding use of sunlamp, tanning bed, or tanning booth.
- Gastrointestinal upset occurs more frequently in older children and adults who have received large doses.
Points of recommendation
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
• If you have an allergy to this medicine or any other part of it.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• For 24 to 48 hours or longer, produces bright red stools, which may stain clothing.
• Shake well .
• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
• Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion.
• Apply a sunblock lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
• In some patients, pinworms may return after treatment with pyrvinium . Washing (not shaking) all bedding and nightclothes (pajamas) after treatment may help to prevent this.
Ask a Pharmacist