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.
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, get medical help right
away.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal cramps,
headache, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking pyrantel, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- severe lack of nutrition (malnutrition)
- anemia
This drug may rarely make you drowsy or dizzy. Alcohol
or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive,
use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it
safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using
marijuana (cannabis).
Chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you are
taking the chewable tablets and have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other
condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or
phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using the chewable
tablets safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle
spasms/twitching/weakness, trouble breathing.
Some types of worm infections can be easily spread among
family members or people living within the same household. It is important
for family members to be checked even if they do not have symptoms. To keep
from being infected again, everyone in the household may need to be
treated. Also, thoroughly clean the home and all clothing, and be very
careful with personal hygiene. Wash hands often and keep fingernails
trimmed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
use it for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another
infection unless your doctor tells you to.
If your doctor has directed you to use more than one
dose and you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a
new dosing schedule.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.