Pyrantel (By mouth)
pi-RAN-tel
Treats worm infections such as pinworms and roundworms. Belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics.
Drug classes
Anthelmintic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pyrantel belongs to the family of medicines called anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are used in the treatment of worm infections.
Pyrantel is used to treat pinworms (enterobiasis; oxyuriasis).
This medicine may also be used for other worm infections as determined by your doctor.
Pyrantel works by paralyzing the worms. They are then passed in the stool.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, pyrantel is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Common roundworm infection
Hookworm infection
More than one worm infection at a time
For patients taking this medicine for hookworm infection :
Anemia (iron-poor blood) may occur in patients with hookworm infections. Therefore, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements to help clear up the anemia. If so, it is important to take iron every day while you are being treated for hookworms. Do not miss any doses. Your doctor may also want you to keep taking iron supplements for up to 6 months after you stop taking pyrantel. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
May be taken with or without food.
Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the correct amount with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. The oral liquid may be refrigerated, but do not freeze.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
If you are taking pyrantel for hookworms or whipworms, ask your doctor about taking iron supplements.
Tell your doctor if you are taking theophylline. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pyrantel. Avoid using pyrantel if you are being treated for myasthenia gravis or are taking piperazine (Vermizine®).
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking pyrantel.
Pyrantel may make you dizzy. Be careful when driving a car or operating machinery.
Have all members of your household checked because pinworm infections are easily spread from one person to another.
To avoid being re-infected, wash your bedding and night clothes in hot soapy water.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting
Headache, dizziness
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ascarel, Pamix, Pin-X, Pinworm, Reese’s Pinworm Medicine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.