Patient Information Leaflet Ascalix Syrup 4g/30ml 09 March 1999

Ascalix Syrup 4g/30ml

Piperazine Hydrate

Ascalix Syrup contains Piperazine Citrate equivalent to Piperazine Hydrate 4g in 30ml.

Other ingredients in the product are Sucrose, Glycerin, Sodium Saccharin, Hydroxybenzoates (Methyl, Ethyl Propyl and Butyl), Propylene Glycol, Flavouring (Malaga Raisin Essence, Morelia Cherry Essence), Caramel (El50) and Water.

Ascalix Syrup 4g/30ml is available in 30ml bottles

The active ingredient in Ascalix is known as an anthelmintic. This type of medicine paralyses the roundworm in the intestine so that it is eliminated with the faeces.

The product licence holder is Wallace Manufacturing Chemists Ltd, 52 Queen Anne Street, London W1M 9LA, England The product is manufactured by Anglian Manufacturing Chemists Ltd, Enterprise Road, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire LN12 1LH, England

Ascalix is for the oral treatment of roundworm infestation

Before you use Ascalix

Do not use the product if:

•    you are senstive to Piperazine or any of the other ingredients.

•    you suffer from kidney failure.

•    you a history of epilepsy.

•    you have moderate or severe liver impairment

Precautions for use of Ascalix

If you are malnourished or have anaemia consult your doctor before first using this product.

If you have normal bowel movement then a laxative is not normally required but if you are currently constipated a laxative should be taken about 12 hours after treatment before the effect of Ascalix on the worms wears off

Interactions with other medicines

Ascalix may interact with other medicines you are taking Phenothiazines (a class of antihistamine) taken with Ascalix may cause convulsions. Pyrantel pamoate will prevent Ascalix from working

Special Warnings

Ascalix should not be given at any time during pregnancy except on medical advice.

Dosage

Take by mouth a single dose as follows

Adults and Children over 8 years 30ml (the contents of the bottle)

Children 3 to 8 years    20ml (four 5ml spoonfuls)

Children 1 to 2 years    10ml (two 5ml spoonfuls)

Do not exceed the stated dose Ascalix is not recommended for children under 1 year.

Overdose

If you have taken an overdose then symptoms are likely to be the same as listed under Undesirable effects. Seek early medical attention taking this leaflet with you if possible

Undesirable effects

Side effects are not common when used as directed but the following side effects have been reported: Stomach and Intestinal upsets

Drowsiness, confusion, reduced mobility and reduced muscle action.

Contractions of the colon (usually only when other disease conditions are present).

Abdominal cramps, headaches, dizziness, tremors, unusual body flexing, visual disturbances and rarely cataracts

Allergic reactions have occasionally been reported and these include skin reactions, pains in the joints, fever, fluid retention in body tissues, and raised heartbeat, rashes, light induced skin irritation, watering eyes, irritation of the nose and rarely an asthma-like difficulty in breathing

One of the non active ingredients is glycerin (sometimes called glycerol) Glycerin is harmful in high doses It can cause headaches and can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea

If you suffer any of these effects in a severe form or have any other reaction that you believe may be due to taking Ascalix consult your doctor.

Storage

Do not use the product after the marked expiry date.

Store in a cool place

Leaflet revision date: 09 March 1999