Notes on Some Remedies. XXVII. Drugs in Helminthic Diseases, Part II

5. Hexylresorcinol.?It is a synthetic compound of pale yellow crystalline nature, probably the safest of the anthelmintics. It is very efficient in ascariasis and fairly satisfactory in oxyuriasis and ancylostomiasis. The drug can be given in freshly filled gelatine capsules or in the form of 1 crystoids ' anthelmintic pills with hard gelatine coating containing 0.1 and 0.2 gm. The dose is 1 gm. for adults and children over 12 years of age and smaller doses for younger children. The capsules must be swallowed without chewing as the drug has irritant properties and is liable to cause superficial erosion of the buccal mucosa. To be effective, it should be given on an empty stomach and food should be withheld for at least four hours after administration. A light evening meal consisting of soft foods only should be given the night before. Purgative immediately after treatment is not necessary, since this drug is not toxic. To clear away any dead worms which are not passed spontaneously, a saline purgative is given 24 hours after treatment. The drug is very soluble in alcohol which should be forbidden during treatment. Hexylresorcinol is also available as solution. An enema of a 1 in 1,000 solution (solution S.T. 37) is a useful adjunct to the oral crystoids in the treatment of threadworms.