Pyrantel Pamoate is an anthelmintic medication used to treat intestinal worm infections caused by roundworms and hookworms. It's available over-the-counter in many places and is commonly used to treat common parasitic infections in both adults and children.
 
What It Treats:
Pyrantel Pamoate is effective against a variety of intestinal worms, including:
Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) – the most common type of worm infection in children
Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides)
Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)
Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) – less commonly
It’s often used as a single-dose treatment for these infections, but a second dose may be recommended after a few weeks to ensure all worms are cleared, especially for pinworms.
 
How It Works:
Pyrantel Pamoate paralyzes the parasites by interfering with their nervous system. It works by:
Depolarizing neuromuscular junctions, causing muscle paralysis in the parasites
Paralyzed worms are then expelled from the body through normal bowel movements (it doesn’t kill the worms outright, but rather causes them to become dislodged).
 
Administration:
Oral suspension or tablets
Dosing varies depending on the type of infection and the patient’s age/weight
Pinworm infection: Typically a single dose, but it may be repeated in 2 weeks.
With or without food (food does not affect absorption)
 
Common Side Effects:
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps or discomfort
Diarrhea
Dizziness and headache are also possible, though rare
Generally, side effects are mild and uncommon.
 
Precautions:
Pregnancy: Pyrantel is considered safe during pregnancy (especially in the second and third trimesters) but should be used only when necessary.
Liver disease: Should be used with caution in people with liver dysfunction.
Allergic reactions: Rare, but can include skin rashes, swelling, and itching.
Drug interactions: It's relatively low-risk for interactions but may reduce the effectiveness of other anthelmintic drugs or interfere with anticholinergic drugs.
 
Advantages:
OTC availability: It’s widely available without a prescription, making it convenient for families, especially for treating common pinworm infestations in children.
Single-dose treatment: Many worm infections can be treated in just one dose, making it an easy-to-follow regimen.