Pyrantel
Pyrantel is an anthelmintic medication used to treat parasitic worm infections, particularly pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm infestations. It works by paralyzing intestinal parasites, causing them to be expelled from the body through normal bowel movements. This medication is commonly prescribed for both adults and children affected by these parasitic conditions.
Pyrantel is an oral anthelmintic that treats parasitic worm infections by paralyzing and eliminating intestinal parasites.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P02CC01
- RxNorm
- 8610
- Generic
- Pyrantel
- Class
- atc-p02
- Brands
- Heartgard Plus, RFD, Nemex, Strongid, Equistrength, Liqui-Vict 2X, Tri-Heart Plus, Worm Protector 2X, Exodus, Virbantel, Ascarel, Iverhart, Simparica TRIO, NexGard Plus, GiarcidiaZap-Wormer
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, chewable tablet, oral suspension, paste, granules, powder
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, worldwide
- Monitoring
- none
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid unless benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid unless benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid unless benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
under 2 yearsuse with caution, weight-based dosing
not recommended for infants under 6 months
monitor for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
2 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing
widely used and approved for children
standard monitoring
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
use standard adult dosing
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentdose reduction may be necessary
use with caution in severe renal impairment
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
dose reduction may be necessary in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Route of administration
Dosage form information
Pyrantel is used to treat infections caused by pinworms (enterobiasis), roundworms (ascariasis), and hookworms (ancylostomiasis and necatoriasis). It is effective against these common intestinal parasites in both adult and pediatric patients.
Pyrantel acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. It causes paralysis of parasites by stimulating persistent activation of nicotinic receptors in their neuromuscular junctions. Once paralyzed, the worms are unable to maintain their grip on the intestinal wall and are expelled through normal intestinal motility.
Pyrantel is typically administered as a single dose, which may be repeated after two weeks for pinworm infections. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and headache. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and repeat dosing schedules. Proper hygiene measures are recommended to prevent reinfection.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy