Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pyrantel
Generic name: pyrantel [ pie-RAN-tell ]
Brand names: Pin-Away, Pinworm Medicine, Antiminth, Pin-X, Ascarel, Pinworm Caplets
Dosage forms: oral suspension (144 mg/mL (50 mg/mL base), base 50 mg/mL)
Drug class: Anthelmintics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 24, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is pyrantel?
Pyrantel is an “antihelmintic,” or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.
Pyrantel is used to treat infections caused by pinworms.
Pyrantel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use pyrantel if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pyrantel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I take pyrantel?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
You may take pyrantel with or without food. pyrantel may be taken with milk or juice.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Pyrantel doses are based on weight. Carefully follow all dosing instructions.
Using a laxative will not make pyrantel work better or faster. Tell your doctor if you are constipated.
Call your doctor if you still see pinworms or have symptoms after taking this medicine.
If you live with other people, all members of the household may need to be treated with pyrantel. Pinworm can spread easily to anyone who has close contact with you. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Pyrantel is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking pyrantel?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how pyrantel will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Pyrantel side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Pyrantel may cause serious side effects. Stop using pyrantel and call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- severe dizziness; or
- ongoing headache.
Common side effects of pyrantel may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect pyrantel?
Other drugs may affect pyrantel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Frequently asked questions
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Pyrantel Pamoate Tablet – Uses, Side Effects, and More
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 Pyrantel Pamoate Tablet
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, seek immediate medical attention.
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