Pyrantel

Pyrantel Brand Names- Pin-X | Pronto Plus Pinworm

What is Pyrantel

Pyrantel is an anthelmintic first developed for use in veterinary practice. It is effective against various intestinal helminths in both animals and humans, and very little toxicity has been associated with its use.

Pyrantel is marketed as the pamoate salt and is used in the treatment of infections caused by roundworm, hookworm, and pinworm.

Pyrantel was FDA-approved in 1971 and is available without a prescription.

Indications

1. ascariasis
2. Ascaris lumbricoides
3. enterobiasis (pinworm infection)
4. Enterobius vermicularis
5. trichostrongyliasis
6. uncinariasis

NOTE: Doses are described as pyrantel base. 1 mg of pyrantel base is equivalent to 2.88 mg of pyrantel pamoate salt.

Side Effects

1. abdominal pain
2. diarrhea
3. dizziness
4. headache
5. nausea
6. vomiting

The most common GI disorders during therapy with pyrantel include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or cramps.

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• hepatic disease
• phenylketonuria
• pregnancy

Pyrantel should be used with caution in patients with hepatic disease

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Pyrantel products.