Primaquine Phosphate ACTION  AND  USE.—   Primaquine   phos- phate is the drug of choice for the prevention or relapse  of  malaria  caused  by  P.  vivax,  and  P. ovale. Primaquine  phosphate  is  contraindicated in G-6-PD deficient personnel as it may result in hemolytic  anemia. USUAL  DOSE.—  Primaquine  phosphate  is most commonly used as a terminal prophylaxis, i.e., it is given for 14 days after leaving an endemic area. Fansidar (Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine) ACTION AND USE.— Fansidar is used in the curative treatment of strains of malaria that are resistant  to  chloroquine  phosphate.  It  is  also  used as  a  prophylaxis  in  endemic  areas. USUAL DOSE.— For  the  curative  treatment, 2  or  3  tablets  followed  by  two  weeks  of  prima- quine   phosphate   to   prevent   relapse.   For   the prophylactic treatment, one tablet weekly begin- ning two days prior to arrival in an endemic area and six weeks after leaving the area followed by a  regimen  of  primaquine  phosphate. Mebendazole  (Vermox) ACTION AND USE.— Mebendazole is effec- tive in treating infestations of hookworm, round- worm,   pinworm,   and   whipworm. USUAL DOSE.— For pinworms, a single 100 mg  tablet  is  generally  sufficient  to  effect  cure.  For whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms, a 100 mg  tablet  morning  and  evening  for  three  con- secutive days. Pyrantel Pamoate (Antiminth) ACTION AND USE.— This is regarded as the drug  of  choice  for  pinworm  and  roundworm infections. USUAL  DOSE.—  A single dose of 1 ml (50 mg)  per  pound  body  weight.  It  maybe  admin- istered  without  regard  to  ingestion  of  food  or  time of  day. Thiabendazole  (Mintezol) ACTION  AND  USE.—  Thiabendazole  is  a vermacide  used  to  destroy  pinworms,  round- worms,  threadworms,  hookworms,  and  whip- worms.  It  is  not  indicated  as  a  prophylactic  agent. USUAL DOSE.— The dosage is based on the patient’s  weight.  For  persons  over  150  pounds, 1.5  g  two  times  daily  for  two  days.  For  persons under  150  pounds,  dosage  is  10  mg  per  pound  two times daily. The maximum daily dosage is 3.0 g. Pyrvinium  Pamoate  (Povan) ACTION AND USE.— Pyrvinium pamoate is indicated in the treatment of pinworms. To avoid undue  concern,  the  patient  should  be  informed that the drug will stain a bright red and stools will be  a  bright  red. USUAL  DOSE.—  Pyrvinium pamoate is ad- ministered in a single dose of 5 mg/kg body weight up  to  a  maximum  of  7  tablets  of  50  mg  each. LAXATIVES Laxatives  are  drugs  that  facilitate  the  passage and elimination of feces from the colon and rec- tum. They are indicated for the treatment of sim- ple constipation and to clean the intestine of any irritant or toxic substances (catharsis). Laxatives may also be used to soften painfully hard stools and to lessen straining of certain cardiac patients when defecating. They are contraindicated in cer- tain inflammatory conditions of the bowel, bowel obstruction,   and   abdominal   pain   of   unknown origin, and should not be used in the presence of nausea and vomiting. Laxatives are classified as irritant,  bulk,  emollient,  or  stool  softeners.  Fre- quent or prolonged use of any laxative may result in  dependence. Mineral Oil ACTION  AND  USE.—   Mineral  oil  is  an emollient laxative used to lubricate the fecal mass. It  is  often  used  in  combination  with  an  irritant agent  such  as  phenophthalein. USUAL  DOSE.—  15 to 45 ml at bedtime. Glycerin Suppositories NF ACTION AND USE.—  These  are  widely  used in  children.  They  promote  peristalsis  through  local irritation of the mucous membrane of the colon. 7-16