Pinworm (Oral)

Pyrantel is part of a group of medicines known as anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are used to treat worm infections.

Pyrantel is used to treat pinworms (enterobiasis; oxyuriasis).

Your doctor may also use this medicine for other worm infections.

Pyrantel works by paralyzing the worms, which are then passed in the stool.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

This medicine may cause some people to feel dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than usual. Be sure to know how this medicine affects you before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. If these effects are particularly troubling, talk to your doctor.

For patients taking pyrantel for pinworms:

• In some patients, pinworms may come back after treatment with pyrantel. The following may help prevent this: Avoid scratching the area around the buttocks. Wash hands and fingernails with soap frequently during the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Wear tight underpants both day and night. Change them daily. Clean the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping for several days after treatment. Avoid dry sweeping that may stir up dust. Keep the toilet seat clean. Wash (do not shake) all bedding and nightclothes (pajamas) after treatment.
• Some doctors may also suggest other ways to help prevent your infection from returning. If you have any questions about this, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks and benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children aged 2 years or older and, at effective doses, has not been reported to cause different side effects or problems in children compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way in older people as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems. There is no specific information comparing the use of pyrantel in elderly patients with its use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines can be used together despite possible interactions. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at the same time as food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you can use this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Liver disease

Along with its required effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Skin rash

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• trouble in sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Ascarel
• Pamix
• Pinworm
• Pin-X

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Anthelmintic

No special preparations (for example, special diets, fasting, other medicines, laxatives, or enemas) are necessary before, during, or immediately after you take pyrantel.

For patients taking pyrantel oral suspension:

• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Shake the bottle well before using.

To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. In some infections a second dose of this medicine may be required to clear up the infection completely.

For patients taking pyrantel for pinworms:

• Pinworms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially among persons in the same household. Therefore, all household members may have to be treated at the same time to prevent their infection or reinfection. Also, all household members may have to be treated again in 2 to 3 weeks to clear up the infection completely.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (oral suspension or tablets): Adults and children 2 years of age and older: Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor. It is taken as a single dose and may need to be repeated in two to three weeks.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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