Pyrantel
About
Pyrantel contains an anti-worm medication known as 'anti-helminthic,' primarily used to treat parasitic worm infections. It treats a wide variety of worm infections caused by roundworms, hookworm, pinworm, and other worms. Parasites are foreign organism that lives in our body and feeds on our body (our body acts as a host)
Pyrantel contains Pyrantel, which is an anti-worm medication. It works by killing the worms and stopping the infection from spreading further that are causing the infection. It kills the worms by binding to their nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis, and as a result, they cannot move. The killed worms are passed in the stool.
Take Pyrantel as prescribed by your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, you are advised to take Pyrantel for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. The most common side effects of Pyrantel are vomiting, abdominal pain (stomach pain), headache, dizziness, nausea, hair loss, abnormal liver function tests, fever, and vertigo (sensation of feeling off-balance). They do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Pyrantel if you are allergic to Pyrantel or its ingredients. Also, inform your doctor of all the other medicines you are taking. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before starting Pyrantel. Use proper birth control measures if you are taking Pyrantel, as it can harm the baby if you become pregnant. If you have anaemia or any liver disease, please do not take Pyrantel as it is known to contraindicate.
Uses of Pyrantel
Medicinal Benefits
Pyrantel contains an anti-worm medication known as 'anti-helminthic,' primarily used to treat parasitic worm infections. It treats a wide variety of worm infections caused by roundworms, hookworm, pinworm, and other worms. Pyrantel contains Pyrantel, which kills the worms and stops the infection from spreading further that are causing the infection. It kills the worms by binding to their nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis, and as a result, they are unable to move. The killed worms are passed in the stool.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pyrantel
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Fever
- Vertigo (sensation of feeling off-balance)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pyrantel if you are allergic to Pyrantel or any of its ingredients. Also, inform your doctor of all the other medicines you are taking. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before starting Pyrantel. Use proper birth control measures if you are taking Pyrantel, as it can harm the baby if you become pregnant. If you have anaemia or any liver disease, please do not take Pyrantel as it is known to contraindicate. Do not stop Pyrantel if you feel better as it might lead to coming back of infection as all parasites might not get killed. So, to avoid any parasite becoming resistant to Pyrantel and coming back, please complete the doctor's medication course.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pyrantel may interact with sodium iodide.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Pyrantel is known to interact in liver disease and anaemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol can increase drowsiness if taken along with alcohol. So, it should be avoided.
Pregnancy
unsafePyrantel is a category C pregnancy drug, and it should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafePyrantel should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it may pass through the milk and harm the baby.
Driving
unsafePyrantel is known to cause drowsiness, so do not drive a car or operate any machinery.
Liver
cautionPyrantel to be taken with caution, especially if you have or have had a history of liver disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Kidney
safe if prescribedPyrantel is safe if prescribed by a doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
Children
cautionPyrantel is not recommended for children below the age of 2 years. For children between the age of 2 to 12 years, please take only we prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain personal hygiene and wash bedding, clothing, and towels to avoid any further infection.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and make sure you sleep at least 8 hours daily for a speedy recovery.
- Including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Contact with any person who has chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis should be avoided as it might cause you the same infection as Pyrantel makes your body prone to infections.
- Drink clean water and avoid eating food from anywhere that could be prone to contamination.
Special Advise
- Constantly monitor your blood cell count before and while taking Pyrantel.
- Liver function needs constant monitoring.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Worm Infections: Parasites are foreign organism that lives in our body and feeds on our body (our body acts as a host). Some parasitic worms are flatworms, roundworms, hookworm, pinworm, and other worms. People are living in rural areas where food and water can be contaminated more prone to parasitic infections. Some parasites can live in our bodies for even 30 years and feed on our bodies.
FAQs
Pyrantel contains Pyrantel, which kills the worms and stops the infection from spreading further that are causing the infection. It kills the worms by binding to their nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis, and as a result, they cannot move. The killed worms are passed in the stool.
Yes, Pyrantel can cause dizziness and make you feel sleepy. So, to avoid mishaps, please do not drive or operate machinery requiring concentration.
Pyrantel should not be taken if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients and if you have asthma. Also, mention all the other medicines you take before starting the Pyrantel.
No, you should not stop Pyrantel as it might lead to coming back of infection as all parasites might not get killed. So, to avoid any parasite becoming resistant to Pyrantel and coming back, please complete the doctor's course of medication.
