Pyrantel
Why this is used
Pyrantel, an antiworm medication, is used to treat roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, and other worm infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How to take it
Pyrantel comes as a capsule and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose for pinworm and roundworm infections. The dose usually is repeated after 2 weeks for pinworm infections. For hookworm infections, pyrantel usually is taken once a day for 3 days. Pyrantel may be taken with food, juice, or milk or on an empty stomach. Shake the liquid well to mix the medication evenly. Pyrantel may be mixed with milk or fruit juice. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pyrantel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Pyrantel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
stomach cramps</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
straining and pain during bowel movements</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>
<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
stomach cramps</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
straining and pain during bowel movements</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>
Precautions
Before taking pyrantel, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pyrantel or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially piperazine (another antiworm medication), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia or liver disease.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Pyrantel.