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Overview: Pyrantel is used to get rid of pinworms. Common side effects can include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Pinworms can easily spread from one person to another. Because of this, everyone living in the same house as the person with a pinworm infection should be treated, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. If you still have pinworms or symptoms after taking pyrantel, talk to your health care provider. Pyrantel comes in several forms that are taken by mouth, including a chewable tablet, liquid, and tablet.

Uses

What is pyrantel used for?

Pyrantel is commonly used to treat pinworm infections. 

Pyrantel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does pyrantel work (mechanism of action)?

Pyrantel is an anthelmintic. It paralyzes pinworms in your intestines. This stops them from being able to move. Once the worms are paralyzed, your body gets rid of them through your poop.

How is pyrantel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Pin Rid
  • Pin-X
  • Reese’s Pinworm Medicine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 720.5 mg (250 mg base) chewable tablets
  • 144 mg/mL (50 mg base/mL) oral suspension
  • 180 mg (62.5 mg base) oral tablets

How should I store pyrantel?

Pyrantel should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pyrantel?

The most common side effects of pyrantel are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you or do not go away.

  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of pyrantel that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pyrantel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pyrantel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pyrantel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pyrantel and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pyrantel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pyrantel.

  • Pin Rid
  • Pin-X
  • Pyrantel
  • Reese’s Pinworm Medicine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pyrantel products they stock.

What should I know about pyrantel before using it?

Read and follow the instructions that come with your product. It should have advice about how to know you have a pinworm infection, steps to take to reduce the risk of infecting others, and how to prevent a repeat infection. 

Pinworm infections can easily spread from one person to another. Because of this, everyone living in the same house as the person with a pinworm infection should be treated, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise. 

Do not take more than the recommended dose of pyrantel or repeat the treatment unless your health care provider tells you to.

Keep pyrantel out of the reach of children.

If you are taking pyrantel liquid, shake it well before measuring each dose. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

If you still have pinworms or your symptoms continue after taking pyrantel, talk to your health care provider. 

Some pyrantel products may contain aspartame. This can lead to problems if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). If you or anyone in your family has PKU, read the ingredient list in the product before taking it. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure whether a product is safe for you to take.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pyrantel?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pyrantel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Worms. If you have any worms other than pinworms either before or after taking pyrantel, talk with your health care provider. A different medicine may be needed to treat other worms. 

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following before taking pyrantel.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Pyrantel may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking pyrantel, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pyrantel could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pyrantel while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if pyrantel passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pyrantel while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does pyrantel interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pyrantel and foods or drinks. Pyrantel can be taken alone or with milk or fruit juice.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pyrantel. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking pyrantel.

Does pyrantel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Pyrantel may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pyrantel?

If you or someone else has used too much pyrantel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pyrantel?

Pyrantel is taken as a onetime dose. Do not take more than one dose of pyrantel unless your health care provider tells you to do so.