Definition

Noun: 1. A synthetic chemical compound used as an anthelmintic drug: Piperazine is a medication primarily used to treat parasitic worm infections, specifically those caused by roundworms (like Ascaris lumbricoides) and pinworms (like Enterobius vermicularis). It works by paralyzing the worms, which are then expelled from the body through the intestines.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed piperazine for the child's pinworm infection.
  • Piperazine citrate is a common formulation of this anthelmintic agent.
  • Treatment with piperazine is usually very effective against roundworms.

Advanced Usage

• In Pharmacology/Chemistry: Beyond its medical use, piperazine refers to the organic heterocyclic compound itself (C₄H₁₀N₂), which serves as a core structure for many other pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

Variants and Related Words

• Piperazine Citrate (n): A specific salt form of piperazine commonly used in medicinal preparations.
• Anthelmintic (n/adj): A general term for a substance that expels or destroys parasitic worms; a drug class to which piperazine belongs.

Synonyms

• Anthelmintic
• Vermifuge (a substance used to destroy or expel intestinal worms)

Notes on Meaning

The word piperazine has a highly specific, technical meaning. It is almost exclusively used in medical, pharmacological, or chemical contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation outside of these fields.

Noun

1. vermifuge used to treat infestations by roundworms or pinworms