Clinical trials with a new anthelminthic, tetramisole

This paper presents our experience with tetramisole, a new anthelminthic, in 73 infections with ascariasis, ancylostomiasis, and trichuriasis in 50 cases. 3 dosage regimes of tetramisole were tried. In ascariasis a single dose of 3·5 mg./kg. was found to be effective. In hookworm infection, best results were obtained with 5 mg./kg. for 3 successive days. In ascariasis, 100% clearance of egg-load was seen in 96·8% of patients. In hookworm infection 26·7% showed complete clearance of eggs, while another 46·7% showed an egg-load reduction of more than 80%. In trichuriasis, the results were poor, only 12·5% of patients showed complete clearance of eggs, while in another 6·7% the reduction was more than 80%. The anthelminthic activity of the drug was demonstrated by the recovery of roundworms and hookworms from the stools. The drug was well tolerated. Mild side-effects such as itching and epigastric pain were seen in only 4% of patients. No toxicity was observed.