Home Drug Guide Cryptenamine Tannates

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Cryptenamine Tannates

Brand Names Unitensen

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic, Antiprotozoal

Pharmacological: Tryptophan derivation, Tannate formulation

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of intestinal parasitic infections caused by certain protozoa and helminths

Mechanism of Action

Cryptenamine tannates exert antiparasitic effects by interfering with the protozoa's metabolic processes and disrupting their cellular structures, leading to death of the parasites.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: As per clinical guidelines, typically 400 mg once daily for 7-10 days.

Pediatric: Dosage depends on body weight and clinical scenario; generally 10 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for 7-10 days.

Geriatric: Adjust based on renal and hepatic function; close monitoring recommended.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily acts locally within the intestines.

Distribution: Minimal systemic distribution due to poor absorption.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; primarily remains in the intestinal lumen.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces.

Half Life: Not well established due to minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to Cryptenamine tannates or components.
  • Use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.

Precautions

  • Monitor renal and hepatic function during therapy.
  • Use cautiously in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Common)
  • Vomiting (Common)
  • Abdominal discomfort (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash or anaphylaxis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Potential interactions with other antiparasitics or medications affecting hepatic enzymes.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for duration and severity of parasitic infection, monitor for adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Risk for injury related to adverse reactions.

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, usually with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Evaluation: Assess symptom resolution and monitor for adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Complete the full course of therapy.
  • Report any adverse reactions or unusual symptoms.
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specified.

Genetic Factors: No known genetic considerations affecting therapy.

Lab Test Interference: Minimal, but monitor stool examinations for parasite clearance.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and consider activated charcoal if ingestion is recent.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; check expiration date.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.