bephenium hydroxynaphthoate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

bephenium is an anthelmintic medication used to treat certain parasitic worm infections in the body, primarily infections caused by roundworms. It works by paralyzing and immobilizing the worms, making them easier to eliminate from the body through the digestive system. 

bephenium is primarily effective against roundworm infections. Some common roundworms it may target include Ascaris lumbricoides (common roundworm) and Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm). It is not used for the treatment of other types of parasitic infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Dizziness 

Vomiting 

Abdominal pain 

Nausea 

Diarrhea 

Vertigo 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

bephenium does not have a well-known black box warning. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to bephenium or any of its components should not use this medication. 
• Pregnancy: bephenium should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.  
• Breastfeeding: It is not recommended to use bephenium while breastfeeding unless directed by a healthcare professional. bephenium may pass into breast milk and affect the infant. 
• Liver Disease: Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should use bephenium with caution. The medication is primarily metabolized in the liver, and in cases of liver impairment, dose adjustments may be necessary. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using bephenium in such cases. 

Caution: 

• Renal Impairment: Although bephenium is primarily excreted in the urine, it is essential to exercise caution in individuals with impaired renal (kidney) function. Dose adjustments may be required, and monitoring for potential adverse effects is advisable. 
• Elderly Patients: bephenium should be used cautiously in elderly individuals. Older patients may be more susceptible to the medication’s effects and side effects.  
• Children: While bephenium is commonly used in children to treat parasitic infections, it should be administered carefully in pediatric patients. The dosage should be determined based on the child’s age and weight.

Comorbidities: 

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Patients with comorbid gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, may need special consideration when taking bephenium. These conditions can affect drug absorption and may require dose adjustments or monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects. 
• Malnutrition: Malnourished individuals, particularly those with deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, may experience different responses to bephenium. Nutritional status can influence the body’s ability to process and respond to medications. 
• Immunocompromised States: People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or on immunosuppressive therapies, may be at greater risk for parasitic infections. bephenium should be used cautiously in these cases, and the underlying condition should be addressed. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown   

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

bephenium is an anthelmintic medication primarily used to treat infections caused by intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Its pharmacological action involves disrupting the parasite’s neuromuscular coordination. bephenium is a cholinergic agonist that acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent.

When administered, it activates cholinergic receptors in the parasite’s muscle cells, causing persistent depolarization and paralysis. This paralysis makes it difficult for the parasites to maintain their attachment to the host’s intestinal walls and leads to their expulsion from the body. bephenium is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream and primarily exerts its effects locally in the gastrointestinal tract.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Cholinergic Agonist: bephenium stimulates cholinergic receptors on the muscle cells of the parasites. Cholinergic receptors are responsive to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in neuromuscular function. 
• Depolarizing Neuromuscular Blockade: When bephenium binds to cholinergic receptors, it causes persistent depolarization of the muscle cells in the parasites. This means the resting membrane potential becomes less negative, leading to continuous stimulation. 
• Paralysis: The persistent depolarization caused by bephenium results in paralysis of the parasites. This neuromuscular blockade makes it challenging for the parasites to maintain their attachment to the host’s intestinal walls. 
• Expulsion: As a consequence of the paralysis, the parasites become more easily dislodged and expelled from the host’s body. This expulsion helps in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

bephenium is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. The drug’s mechanism of action is primarily localized to the intestinal lumen, where it acts on parasites. It is not significantly absorbed systemically, which helps minimize the risk of systemic side effects. 

Distribution 

Since bephenium is not highly absorbed, its distribution in the body is limited. Most of drug remains in intestinal lumen and exerts its effects on parasites residing there. It does not extensively distribute to other tissues or organs. 

Metabolism 

bephenium undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. The drug primarily exerts its effects through direct action on parasites’ neuromuscular systems, which does not involve extensive metabolic processes. This lack of metabolism contributes to its low systemic absorption. 

Elimination and excretion 

The majority of bephenium, which remains unabsorbed and unmetabolized, is excreted in the feces. It is expelled from the body, along with the parasites it has paralyzed, following treatment. There is little to no significant excretion of bephenium through the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Dosage: The appropriate dosage of bephenium depends on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, the type of parasitic infection, and the formulation of the drug (e.g., tablets or suspension).  
• Administration Time: bephenium is usually taken as a single dose, but the exact timing can vary. It is crucial to follow the schedule provided by your healthcare provider or the medication label. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the dose after a certain period. 
• Oral Administration: bephenium is administered orally, which means it is taken by mouth. Tablets or liquid suspensions are commonly used forms of the medication. You should swallow the tablets whole or, if it is a liquid suspension, measure the prescribed dose using a dosing syringe or spoon. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bephenium hydroxynaphthoate 

Pronounced: (be-FEE-nee-um hi-drok-see-NAP-tho-ate)  

Why do we use bephenium hydroxynaphthoate? 

bephenium hydroxynaphthoate is often prescribed to treat enterobiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis. Pinworm infections are common, especially in children, and can cause itching around the anus. bephenium is effective against hookworm infections, including those caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.

Hookworm infections can lead to symptoms such as anemia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. t is used to treat infections with roundworms (nematodes) like Ascaris lumbricoides, which can lead to symptoms like abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and malnutrition.