Pyrantel Data - Uses, Dosage, Drug class, Brand name, Warnings, etc
Pharmacology | Pyrantel, an anthelmintic, acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, causing spastic paralysis of parasites by inhibiting acetylcholinesterases, with no similar effects on the host after oral administration. |
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Administration and Adult Dosage |
- PO for pinworms or roundworms: 11 mg/kg (max 1 g) as a single dose; repeat in 2 weeks for pinworms - PO for Moniliformis: 11 mg/kg 3 times at 2-week intervals - PO for hookworms or eosinophilic enterocolitis: 11 mg/kg/day (max 1 g) for 3 days - Doses expressed as base equivalent |
Special Populations - Pediatric Dosage |
- <2 yr: Safety and efficacy not established - ≥2 yr: Same as adult dosage |
Special Populations - Geriatric Dosage | Same as adult dosage. |
Dosage Forms |
- Capsule: 180 mg (62.5 mg as pyrantel base) - Liquid: 50 mg/mL (as pamoate base) - Suspension: 50 mg/mL (as pamoate base) |
Patient Instructions |
- Take as directed; for pinworms, repeat dose in 2 weeks - May be taken with or without food - Report nausea, vomiting, or rash to your physician |
Missed Doses | - Take missed dose as soon as remembered; if near next dose, take only that dose; do not double dose |
Pharmacokinetics - Fate |
- Absorption: Slightly absorbed orally - Excretion: >50% unchanged in feces; <15% as parent drug and metabolites in urine |
Adverse Reactions & Side Effects |
Occasional: - Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, rash, transient AST elevations |
Contraindications | - Liver disease |
Precautions & Warnings | - Avoid during pregnancy |
Drug Interactions | - Piperazine and pyrantel may be mutually antagonistic in ascariasis |
Class and Drug Brand Name |
- Class: Anthelmintics - Brand Names: Pin-X, Reese’s Pinworm Medicine, Various |
Notes |
- Virtually 100% effective for pinworms; also effective for Moniliformis - Alternative to other drugs for roundworms, hookworms, eosinophilic enterocolitis |
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