Pyrantel Pamoate

Pyrantel pamoate is a prescription medication used for eliminating roundworm or pinworm.

• Pyrantel pamoate is available under the following different brand names: Pin Rid, Pin X

Adult and pediatric dosage

Oral suspension

• 250mg/5mL (as base)

Capsule

• 180mg (equivalent to 62.5mg base)

Chewable tablet

• 720.5mg (equivalent to 250mg base) 

Ascariasis (Roundworm)

Adult dosage

• 11 mg (base)/kg orally everyday 5xdaz2x 3 days; not to exceed 1 g/dose

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 2 years: 11 mg (base)/kg orally x 1 dose; not to exceed 1 g/dose 

Enterobius (Pinworm)

Adult dosage

Drug label recommendation

• 11 mg/kg orally once; do not repeat dose unless directed by a physician; not to exceed 1 g/dose  

CDC recommended dose

• 11 mg (base)/kg orally every 2 weeks x2 doses; not to exceed 1 g/dose

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 2 years: 11 mg (base)/kg orally every 2 weeks x2 doses; not to exceed 1g/dose 

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Pyrantel pamoate include:

• nausea, 
• vomiting, 
• diarrhea, 
• stomach/abdominal cramps, 
• headache, 
• drowsiness, 
• dizziness, 
• trouble sleeping, or 
• loss of appetite 

Serious side effects of Pyrantel pamoate include:

• rash, 
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 
• severe dizziness, and
• trouble breathing 

Rare side effects of Pyrantel pamoate include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Pyrantel pamoate has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Pyrantel pamoate has serious interactions with no other drugs:
• Pyrantel pamoate has moderate interactions with no other drugs.
• Pyrantel pamoate has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • piperazine
  • theophylline

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Intestinal obstruction
• Hepatic disease 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Pyrantel pamoate?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Pyrantel pamoate?”

Cautions

• Caution in anemia, hepatic impairment, malnutrition
• Some products may contain sodium benzoate
• Treat all family members in close contact with the patient (infection easily spread) 

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Unknown