Let’s talk about ‘latizann pour pize’ (deworming) |31 October 2023
Latizann pour pize, latizann pour lever, deworming tablets, anthelmintics are all words used to describe a drug that acts against infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths). These worms feed on nutrients in the human digestive system which can lead to health problems. There is a wide range of parasitic worms but the most common ones seen in community in Seychelles include:
- Pin worms
- Hook worms
- Round worms
- Thread worms
- Whip worms
- Tape worms
In Seychelles, the main drugs available from pharmacies to treat such infections are Albendazole (Zentel®) and Mebendazole (Vermox®).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that people should deworm regularly, at least every 6 months, regardless of whether a person is infected or not.
This is particularly important for persons living in tropical countries, like us here in Seychelles. School children are most at risk of developing such infections because they play outdoors in soil that may be contaminated and then put their hands in their mouths without washing them. That said, adults are also at risk of ingesting such parasites if vegetables grown in contaminated soil haven’t been washed or cooked properly before eating.
What symptoms could suggest a helminth infection?
Itching around the anal area, especially at night time is usually the first sign of infection in both children and adults.
In more severe infections (infestation), symptoms can range from a loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, itchy skin, tiredness and weakness.
If left untreated, the worm infestation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the gut which can lead to malnourishment, problems with physical and mental development or anaemia.
What dose of medication should be used to deworm adults and children?
In private pharmacies, the dose of medication sold over the counter to adults and children OVER the age of 2 years is:
- Albendazole 400mg
o 1 tablet as a single dose
o 10ml of syrup as a single dose
- Mebendazole 100mg
o 5ml of syrup twice a day for 3 days
o 1 tablet twice a day for 3 days
- Mebendazole 500mg
o 1 tablet as single dose
The side effects of the above medicines are usually very mild and may include slight abdominal discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea.
It is highly recommended that everyone in the same household deworms at the same time. It may also be helpful to establish a routine, for example, during every school holiday, to help you remember when to deworm yourself and your children.
!! CAUTION: PREGNANT WOMEN, BREAST-FEEDING WOMEN, PEOPLE ON ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICATION AND PEOPLE WITH HYPER-SENSITIVITY TO ANY DEWORMING MEDICINES/LATIZANN POUR PIZE SHOULD CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ANY OF THE MEDICINES !!
What can people do to reduce the risk of helminth infections?
Education is vital to reduce the risk of picking up such infections:
- Make sure you wash your hands properly before eating, after using the toilet and after playing with your pets (Note: regular deworming of household pets is also recommended);
- Ensure that food is washed and cooked thoroughly;
- Keep your finger nails short and clean.
Always ask your pharmacist for any medical advice. That’s what we are here for.
Written by: Zarine Durup
Pharmacist at Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy (on behalf of the forthcoming Seychelles Pharmacy Association)
Latizann pour pize, latizann pour lever, deworming tablets, anthelmintics are all words used to describe a drug that acts against infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths). These worms feed on nutrients in the human digestive system which can lead to health problems. There is a wide range of parasitic worms but the most common ones seen in community in Seychelles include:
- Pin worms
- Hook worms
- Round worms
- Thread worms
- Whip worms
- Tape worms
In Seychelles, the main drugs available from pharmacies to treat such infections are Albendazole (Zentel®) and Mebendazole (Vermox®).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that people should deworm regularly, at least every 6 months, regardless of whether a person is infected or not.
This is particularly important for persons living in tropical countries, like us here in Seychelles. School children are most at risk of developing such infections because they play outdoors in soil that may be contaminated and then put their hands in their mouths without washing them. That said, adults are also at risk of ingesting such parasites if vegetables grown in contaminated soil haven’t been washed or cooked properly before eating.
What symptoms could suggest a helminth infection?
Itching around the anal area, especially at night time is usually the first sign of infection in both children and adults.
In more severe infections (infestation), symptoms can range from a loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, itchy skin, tiredness and weakness.
If left untreated, the worm infestation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the gut which can lead to malnourishment, problems with physical and mental development or anaemia.
What dose of medication should be used to deworm adults and children?
In private pharmacies, the dose of medication sold over the counter to adults and children OVER the age of 2 years is:
- Albendazole 400mg
o 1 tablet as a single dose
o 10ml of syrup as a single dose
- Mebendazole 100mg
o 5ml of syrup twice a day for 3 days
o 1 tablet twice a day for 3 days
- Mebendazole 500mg
o 1 tablet as single dose
The side effects of the above medicines are usually very mild and may include slight abdominal discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea.
It is highly recommended that everyone in the same household deworms at the same time. It may also be helpful to establish a routine, for example, during every school holiday, to help you remember when to deworm yourself and your children.
!! CAUTION: PREGNANT WOMEN, BREAST-FEEDING WOMEN, PEOPLE ON ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICATION AND PEOPLE WITH HYPER-SENSITIVITY TO ANY DEWORMING MEDICINES/LATIZANN POUR PIZE SHOULD CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ANY OF THE MEDICINES !!
What can people do to reduce the risk of helminth infections?
Education is vital to reduce the risk of picking up such infections:
- Make sure you wash your hands properly before eating, after using the toilet and after playing with your pets (Note: regular deworming of household pets is also recommended);
- Ensure that food is washed and cooked thoroughly;
- Keep your finger nails short and clean.
Always ask your pharmacist for any medical advice. That’s what we are here for.
Written by: Zarine Durup
Pharmacist at Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy (on behalf of the forthcoming Seychelles Pharmacy Association)
