What is pyrantel?
Pyrantel is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing
or multiplying in your body.
Pyrantel is used to treat infections caused by worms such as pinworm and roundworm.
Pyrantel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyrantel?
Before taking pyrantel, talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions that you
have. Pyrantel should not be used if you have liver disease or if you have had an allergic reaction
to this medicine in the past.
Do not take pyrantel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Do not take pyrantel without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Children younger than 2 years of age should not use pyrantel unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
How should I take pyrantel?
Take pyrantel exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package labeling. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Pyrantel may be taken with or without food at any time of the day.
Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Use a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper (not a regular tablespoon) to ensure that you
measure the correct dose of medication. Ask your pharmacist where you can get a
dose-measuring device if you do not have one.
Fasting, laxatives, and purging will not help cure this infection.
Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is
spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.
Toilets must be disinfected daily and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be
changed and washed daily.
Store pyrantel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of pyrantel?
Since pyrantel is usually taken in one dose, you are not likely to miss a dose.
Where can I get more information about pyrantel?
Your pharmacist has information about pyrantel written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pyrantel?
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of
your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pyrantel and
talk to your doctor if you experience
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nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or a decreased
appetite;
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headache;
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drowsiness or dizziness;
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insomnia; or
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a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about pyrantel?
Take the whole dose of pyrantel. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach at any
time during the day.
Follow your doctor's instructions or the instructions that accompany the package about
treatment; about washing of clothes, linens, and towels; and about household disinfecting.
Pinworm infections are easily spread from one person to another.
What should I avoid while taking pyrantel?
Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is
spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.
To prevent reinfection, toilets must be disinfected daily, and clothing, linens, towels, and
pajamas must be changed and washed daily.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Pyrantel may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What other drugs will affect pyrantel?
Do not take other anti-worm medicines at the same time as pyrantel unless otherwise
directed by your doctor. Other drugs used to treat infections caused by worms may decrease the
effectiveness of pyrantel.
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, Theo-Bid, Elixophylline, others) may
have dangerous side effects when taken during therapy with pyrantel. Your doctor may want to
monitor your theophylline blood levels.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pyrantel. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of pyrantel?
