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Pyrantel Pamoate
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Administration
Monitoring Parameters
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms
References

Pronunciation
(pi RAN tel PAM oh ate)

U.S. Brand Names
Antiminth®[OTC]; Pin-Rid®[OTC]; Pin-X®[OTC]; Reese's® Pinworm Medicine [OTC]

Generic Available

No


Pharmacological Index

Anthelmintic


Use

Treatment of pinworms ( Enterobius vermicularis), whipworms ( Trichuris trichiura), roundworms ( Ascaris lumbricoides), and hookworms ( Ancylostoma duodenale)


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to pyrantel pamoate


Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with liver impairment, anemia, malnutrition, or pregnancy. Since pinworm infections are easily spread to others, treat all family members in close contact with the patient.


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%: Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea

<1%: Dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, rash, elevated liver enzymes, tenesmus, weakness


Overdosage/Toxicology

Symptoms of overdose include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, ataxia

Treatment is supportive following GI decontamination


Drug Interactions

Decreased effect with piperazine


Stability

Protect from light


Mechanism of Action

Causes the release of acetylcholine and inhibits cholinesterase; acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, paralyzing the helminths


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Oral: Poor

Metabolism: Undergoes partial hepatic metabolism

Time to peak serum concentration: Within 1-3 hours

Elimination: In feces (50% as unchanged drug) and urine (7% as unchanged drug)


Usual Dosage

Children and Adults (purgation is not required prior to use): Oral:

Hookworm: 11 mg/kg administered once daily for 3 days


Administration

May be mixed with milk or fruit juice


Monitoring Parameters

Stool for presence of eggs, worms, and occult blood, serum AST and ALT


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or insomnia


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

May mix drug with milk or fruit juice; strict hygiene is essential to prevent reinfection


Nursing Implications

Shake well before pouring to assure accurate dosage; protect from light


Dosage Forms

Capsule: 180 mg

Liquid: 50 mg/mL (30 mL); 144 mg/mL (30 mL)

Suspension, oral (caramel-currant flavor): 50 mg/mL (60 mL)


References

"Drugs for Parasitic Infections," Med Lett Drugs Ther, 1998, 40(1017):1-12.


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