Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
oral suspension
- 250mg/5mL (as base)
capsule
- 180mg (equivalent to 62.5mg base)
chewable tablet
- 720.5mg (equivalent to 250mg base)
Ascariasis (Roundworm)
11 mg (base)/kg PO qDay x 3 days; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Enterobius (Pinworm)
Drug label recommendation
CDC recommended dose
- 11 mg (base)/kg PO q2week x2 doses; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Eosinophilic Enterocolitis (Hookworm; Off-label)
11 mg (base)/kg PO qDay x3 days; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Moniliformis (Off-label)
11 mg/kg PO once; may repeat after 14 days
Administration
May take with food
Dosage Forms & Strengths
oral suspension
- 250mg/5mL (as base)
capsule
- 180mg (equivalent to 62.5mg base)
chewable tablet
- 720.5mg (equivalent to 250mg base)
Ascariasis (Roundworm)
<2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>2 years: 11 mg (base)/kg PO x 1 dose; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Enterobius (Pinworm)
<2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>2 years: 11 mg (base)/kg PO q2week x 2 doses; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Eosinophilic Enterocolitis (Hookworm; Off-label)
<2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>2 years: 11 mg (base)/kg PO qDay x 3 days; not to exceed 1 g/dose
Moniliformis (Off-label)
11 mg/kg PO once; may repeat after 14 days
Administration
May take with food
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (0)
Minor (2)
- piperazine
pyrantel pamoate, piperazine. Either decreases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- theophylline
pyrantel pamoate increases levels of theophylline by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Headache
Rash
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Tenesmus
Elevated LFTs
Weakness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Intestinal obstruction
Hepatic disease
Cautions
Caution in anemia, hepatic impairment, malnutrition
Some products may contain sodium benzoate
Treat all family members in close contact with the patient (infection easily spread)
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unknown
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, inhibits cholinesterases, causing spastic paralysis of the helminths
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Poor
Metabolism: Partially hepatic
Peak Plasma Time: 1-3 hr
Excretion: feces (50%); urine (7%)
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reese's Pinworm Medicine oral - | 50 mg/mL suspension |  | |
| Reese's Pinworm Medicine oral - | 50 mg/mL suspension |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
pyrantel pamoate oral
PYRANTEL - ORAL
(pi-RAN-tel)
USES: This medication is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm. Pyrantel belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. It works by making the worms unable to move (paralyzed) so that the body can remove them naturally in the stool.This medication may be used to self-treat pinworm infections. For other types of worm infections (such as roundworm, hookworm), use this product only as directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.
HOW TO USE: If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Be sure you understand how to identify pinworms, understand the symptoms of pinworm infections, and how to prevent becoming infected again. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once as a single dose or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with milk or fruit juice. It is not necessary to take a laxative with this medication.If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.The dosage is based on your weight, type of infection, and response to treatment. Do not take more than a total of 1 gram in a single dose. If you are self-treating for pinworms, take the medication once only. Do not repeat the dose without talking with your doctor first. Depending on the type of worm infection you have, your doctor may direct you to take the medication only once or for several days. Your doctor may also direct you to repeat the dose in 2 weeks.If you continue to see worms in your stool or if symptoms last or get worse, or if you think you may have a different type of worm infection or a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal cramps, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking pyrantel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, severe lack of nutrition (malnutrition), anemia.This drug may rarely make you drowsy or dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you are taking the chewable tablets and have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using the chewable tablets safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle spasms/twitching/weakness, trouble breathing.
NOTES: Some types of worm infections can be easily spread among family members or people living within the same household. It is important for family members to be checked even if they do not have symptoms. To keep from being infected again, everyone in the household may need to be treated. Also, thoroughly clean the home and all clothing, and be very careful with personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently and keep fingernails trimmed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, use it for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
MISSED DOSE: If your doctor has directed you to use more than one dose and you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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