Pyrantel Pamoate
About
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. Thereby, Pyrantel Pamoate kills the susceptible helminth (parasitic worms) and treats the infection.
Take Pyrantel Pamoate by mouth with or without meals or as directed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Pyrantel Pamoate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. You may experience certain common side effects such as diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, trouble sleeping in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
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. Do not use Pyrantel Pamoate in children younger than two years unless prescribed by a child specialist. Do not take Pyrantel Pamoate if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as it may cause foetal harm. Pyrantel Pamoate may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Pyrantel Pamoate can be given to children above two years if prescribed by the doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Pyrantel Pamoate
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, which leads to its immobilization. Thereby, 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
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pyrantel Pamoate if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have/had liver disease. Regular blood cell count and liver function monitoring are advised during treatment with Pyrantel Pamoate. Pyrantel Pamoate might increase the chances of getting an infection, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid people with infections, flu or colds. Do not take Pyrantel Pamoate if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as it may cause foetal harm. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Pyrantel Pamoate. Pyrantel Pamoate may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Pyrantel Pamoate can be given to children above two years if prescribed by the doctor. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine. Stop using Pyrantel Pamoate and consult your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or ongoing headaches. Do not use laxative medication while using Pyrantel Pamoate. Inform your doctor if you experience constipation while on this medication.
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), laxative medication.
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
cautionIt is unknown whether alcohol interacts with Pyrantel Pamoate. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafePyrantel Pamoate belongs to pregnancy category C. Do not take Pyrantel Pamoate if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as it may cause foetal harm. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not breastfeed during treatment with Pyrantel Pamoate. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
cautionPyrantel Pamoate may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
unsafePyrantel Pamoate is not recommended for use in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment before using Pyrantel Pamoate.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before using Pyrantel Pamoate.
Children
safe if prescribedPyrantel Pamoate can be given to children above two years if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and while eating.
- Avoid eating raw fish and meat.
- Thoroughly cook meat before eating.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables properly before consuming.
- Wash or reheat food that has been around for a long time.
- Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with faeces.
- Avoid foods that have been kept open in the markets, as they can be contaminated.
- Drink boiled and purified water.
Special Advise
- 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 stay away from people with infections, flu or colds.
- Pyrantel Pamoate will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
- While taking Pyrantel Pamoate, close monitoring of liver function is required every two weeks.
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 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.
Do not discontinue Pyrantel Pamoate without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Pyrantel Pamoate for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Pyrantel Pamoate.
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, you are 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 is not recommended for use in patients with liver disease as Pyrantel Pamoate may worsen their condition.
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.
