PYRVINIUM (Oral)*
Some commonly used brand names are:
In Canada?
Another commonly used name is viprynium.
* Not commercially available in the U.S.
Category
Description
Pyrvinium (peer-VIN-ee-um) is used to treat pinworms(enterobiasis). It will not work for other types of worm infections (for example,roundworms or tapeworms).
Pyrvinium is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the followingdosage forms:
Oral- Oral suspension (Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pyrvinium, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to pyrvinium. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.
Pregnancy?Pyrvinium has not been studied in pregnant womenor animals. However, pyrvinium has not been reported to cause birth defectsor other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding?Pyrvinium has not been reported to cause problemsin nursing babies.
Children?Pyrvinium has been studied in children and, in effectivedoses, has not been reported to cause different side effects or problems inchildren than it does in adults. However, because of limited experience, cautionis recommended in children weighing less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Olderchildren are more likely to have stomach upset after receiving large doses.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of pyrvinium in the elderly with use in other age groups, thismedicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in olderpeople than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of pyrvinium. Make sure you tell your doctor ifyou have any other medical problems.
Proper Use of This Medicine
No specialpreparations (for example, special diets, fasting, other medicines, laxatives,or enemas) are necessary before, during, or immediately after you take pyrvinium.
Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure eachdose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amountof liquid.
Pinworms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially amongpersons in the same household. Therefore, all household members may have tobe treated at the same time to prevent their infection or reinfection. Also,all household members may have to be treated again in 2 to 3 weeks to clearup the infection completely. Make sure each family member takes the correctamount, since the dose may be different for each person.
To help clear up your infection completely, take thismedicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the instructionson the label and follow them carefully. The amount of medicine you need isbased on your weight. You must take the exact amount if the medicine is goingto work. A second course of pyrvinium is usually required to clear up theinfection completely.
Dosing?The dose of pyrvinium will be different fordifferent patients. Follow your doctor's orders or thedirections on the label. The following information includes only theaverage doses of pyrvinium. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For the oral suspension dosage form:
- Adults and children: Dose is based on body weight and will be determinedby your doctor. It is taken as a single dose and is repeated in 2 to 3 weeks.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not freeze oral suspension.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If yoursymptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, checkwith your doctor.
Pyrvinium may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than itis normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may causea skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severesunburn. For a day or two after taking this medicine:
- Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00a.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. If you have any questions aboutthis, check with your health care professional.
- Apply a sunblock lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protectyour lips.
- Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check withyour doctor.
In some patients, pinworms may return after treatment with pyrvinium. Washing(not shaking) all bedding and nightclothes (pajamas) after treatment may helpto prevent this. Some doctors may also recommend other measures to help keepyour infection from returning. If you have any questions about this, checkwith your doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effectoccurs:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medicalattention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjuststo the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following sideeffects continue or are bothersome:
This medicine is a dye andwill color your stools red. This color is notharmful and will disappear in a few days. Pyrvinium may also stain clothingred. If vomiting occurs, the vomit will be red in color.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 03/17/2000
