Comparison of two single-day regimens of triclabendazole for the treatment of human pulmonary paragonimiasis.
A well-tolerated single-day treatment regimen is required for the community-based treatment of pulmonary paragonimiasis. To identify an optimal single-day treatment regimen, an open clinical trial was performed to compare the efficacy of 2 single-day regimens of triclabendazole. From 1991 to 1993, a total of 154 Ecuadorian patients were allocated to receive either a single dose or 2 doses of 10 mg/kg triclabendazole. Treatment with both regimens was associated with a rapid parasitological response (determined by clearance of Paragonimus eggs from sputum), resolution of most clinical symptoms and radiological signs, and only mild adverse effects. At 3 months after treatment, the cure rate (clearance of eggs from sputum) was 90.9% in the 2-dose group and 84.4% in the single-dose group. Re-treatment with a second 2-dose regimen was curative in all remaining patients by 1 year of follow-up. Our findings show that both single-day treatment regimens of triclabendazole were highly effective in the treatment of pulmonary paragonimiasis and suggest that patients should be re-examined at 3 months to determine the need for repeat treatment.
Calvopiña
Manuel
M
Inmunología y Medicina Tropical, Centro de Biomedicina, Universidad Central, Quito, Ecuador. mcalvopina@hotmail.com
Guderian
Ronald H
RH
Paredes
Wilson
W
Cooper
Philip J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008174:Lung Diseases, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010237:Paragonimiasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D013183:Sputum / Q000469:parasitology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077682:Triclabendazole
D000871:Anthelmintics; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D000077682:Triclabendazole