Bephenium, a New Drug Active against Human Hookworm

Abstract

Bephenium chloride, representing a new series of compounds (the 2-phenoxyethyl-ammonium salts), was found to exert significant effect against hookworm (Necator americanus) infections in mental patients. A single dose of 1.2 g, equivalent to 1.0564 g base, eliminated about half the worms in 14 patients. Six g, 5.280 g base, given over 5 days to 6 patients reduced the hookworms by 79%. The single dose regimen reduced the Trichuris trichiura infections in the 14 patients by 14%.