A single dose (2.0, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) of pyrantel embonate given to three groups consisting 301 children with Ascaris lumbricoides infection achieved a cure rate of 91.3%, 94.4% and 98.9% respectively. Whereas in the other two groups of 71 and 75 patients who received 75 mg/kg body weight with piperazine adipate 2 or 3 consecutive days, the cure rates were 62.0% and 74.7% respectively. Administration of a single recommended dose of santonin-kainic acid complex given to 77 patients achived a cure rate of 80.5% with 91.0% of egg reduction rate. The cure rate resulting from a single lowest dose 2.5 mg/kg pyrantel embonate was significantly higher than those of piperazine adipate and santonin-kainic acid complex in the mass treatment for ascariasis. in addition to the group of 2.5 mg/kg pyrantel embonate treatment, the side effect was lesser than those of the other groups. Considering the efficacy and safety of pyrantel embonate against Ascaris lumbricoides, it would be one of the useful agents for the mass treatment of Ascaris control.
parasitology-helminth-nematoda-Ascaris lumbricoides ; pyrantel embonate ; piperazine adipate ; santonin-kainic acid complex ; chemotherapy