Effect of anthelmintic drug in pregnancy

Pyrantal pamoate's anthelmintic activity is due to its action as a neuromuscular blocking agent. It is generally well tolerated. Transient rises in SGOT levels have been reported in the drug-treated patients. Decreased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase post treatment were found in yound dogs. The present study was performed to investigate the possible toxic effects of pyrantal pamoate in pregnant mice progenies. The drug was given in different doses to these mothers in the first, second and third trimester. Serum alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT of one or two month old offspring were monitored. SGOT levels showed an increase in some doses in one and two month old offspring where alkaline phosphatase showed a decrease in some doses in one and two month old offspring. The latter effect may be due to osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase inhibition. The effect on SGOT levels, however, was difficult to explain, but may be due to a toxic effect on liver cells or cardiac muscles.