Pyrantel Pamoate
About Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel Pamoate belongs to a group of antiparasitic drugs called 'anthelmintic' used to treat intestinal worm infections like pinworm, roundworm, hookworm and other parasite infections.
Pyrantel Pamoate contains ‘Pyrantel Pamoate’ which works by paralysing the intestinal worms. This causes metabolic disruption and energy depletion in the parasite, which leads to its immobilisation. Thus, Pyrantel Pamoate kills the susceptible helminth (parasitic worms) and treats the infection.
Like all medicines, Pyrantel Pamoate may cause some common side effects, including diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and trouble sleeping in some cases. Most of these side effects of Pyrantel Pamoate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if you notice any of these side effects persist or worsen your child’s condition, inform your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor about your child's entire medical history. Other drugs or supplements should not be combined with Pyrantel Pamoate unless prescribed by a doctor. Do not give this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Uses of Pyrantel Pamoate
• Pinworm Infections (Enterobiasis): Pyrantel Pamoate is commonly prescribed to treat pinworm infections, which are especially frequent in children. These worms cause intense itching around the anus, particularly at night, leading to disturbed sleep and discomfort. This paralyzes the worms, allowing them to be expelled naturally through bowel movements.
• Roundworm Infections (Ascariasis): Pyrantel Pamoate is effective against roundworms, which can cause abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, and growth delays in children. By disrupting the worms’ ability to attach to the intestinal wall, the medication helps clear the infection efficiently.
• Hookworm Infections: In cases of hookworm infestation, which may lead to anemia, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies, Pyrantel Pamoate helps eliminate the worms and reduce associated symptoms. This is especially important in areas where hookworm is endemic and contributes to poor childhood development.
• Threadworm and Other Helminthic Infections: Pyrantel Pamoate may also be used for threadworms and other intestinal parasites, depending on the clinical diagnosis and local parasite prevalence.
Medicinal Benefits
Pyrantel Pamoate belongs to a group of anthelmintic (antiparasitic) medicines used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, hookworm and roundworm. It works by causing paralysis of the worms by reducing their muscular activity. This causes metabolic disruption and energy depletion in the parasite, leading to immobilization. Thus, Pyrantel Pamoate kills the susceptible helminth (parasitic worms), and then they are passed through the stool.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pyrantel Pamoate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Drug Warnings
Regular monitoring of blood cell count and liver function is advised during treatment with Pyrantel Pamoate. Pyrantel Pamoate might increase the chances of getting an infection; maintain proper hygiene, and try to keep your children away from people with infections. Do not use laxative medication while using Pyrantel Pamoate. Inform your doctor if you experience constipation while on this medication. Inform your doctor about the complete medical history of your children. Do not use any other drugs or supplements with Pyrantel Pamoate unless prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pyrantel Pamoate may interact with medicine to diagnose and treat thyroid gland cancers (sodium iodide i-123 and sodium iodide-i-131) and laxative medications.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Pyrantel Pamoate may have liver disease interactions and severe lack of nutrition (malnutrition) and anaemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicableIt is intended for Children.
Pregnancy
not applicableIt is intended for Children.
Breast Feeding
not applicableIt is intended for Children.
Driving
not applicableIt is intended for Children.
Liver
unsafePyrantel Pamoate is not recommended to use in patients with liver disease. Inform your paediatrician if your child has/had liver disease.
Kidney
cautionInform your paediatrician if your child has/had kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose if necessary based on the condition of your child.
Children
safe if prescribedPyrantel Pamoate can be given to children above 2 years if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly wash your child's hands with soap and water.
- Avoid giving raw fish and meat.
- Thoroughly cook meat before eating.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them.
- Wash or reheat food that has been around for a long time.
- Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with faeces.
- Avoid foods kept open in the markets as they can be contaminated.
- Drink boiled and purified water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parasitic worm infections: Parasitic worms are also called intestinal worms or helminths. They live in and feed on the hosts leading to weakness and diseases. Common types of intestinal worms are roundworms and flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes. Worm infections could occur due to consumption of contaminated water, food or soil, contact with contaminated faeces, poor sanitization and poor hygiene. Symptoms of worm infections include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss and dysentery (bloody stools). Pinworms can easily spread from one person to another. Mainly, this happens more among persons in the same household. So, all household members may also be treated to prevent their infection or reinfection completely.
FAQs
Pyrantel Pamoate is used to treat Parasitic worm infections.
Pyrantel Pamoate causes metabolic disruption and energy depletion in the parasite, which leads to its immobilisation. Thereby, Pyrantel Pamoate kills the susceptible helminth and treats the infection.
Parasitic infections may easily spread from one person to another, especially in people in the same household. Therefore, the entire household may also be treated to prevent the infection.
Sometimes, worm infections may return after treatment. To prevent such recurrence of infection, it is advised to avoid scratching the anal area, wash hands and fingernails before eating and after using the bathroom, and wash (not shaking) all bedding and nightclothes after treatment. Also, regularly clean the toilet seat and keep it clean.
Pyrantel Pamoate might increase the chances of getting an infection. Maintain proper hygiene and try to stay away from people with infections, flu or colds.
