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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ANTHELMINTICS › ANTINEMATODAL AGENTS › Tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives
pyrantel
P02CC01
Forms & Strengths
- Oral suspension: 50 mg base/mL
- Oral suspension: 144 mg pyrantel pamoate/mL (equivalent to 50 mg base/mL)
- Oral tablet: 62.5 mg base
Adult Dosing
- Enterobiasis (pinworm): 11 mg/kg single dose (maximum 1 g); repeat in 2 weeks
- Ascariasis (roundworm): 11 mg/kg single dose (maximum 1 g)
Pediatric Dosing
- Infants < 2 years: Safety and efficacy not well established; use only under medical supervision
- Children >= 2 years: 11 mg/kg single dose (maximum 1 g) for pinworm or roundworm; repeat pinworm dose in 2 weeks
Indications
- Treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infections
- Treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) infections
Mechanism of Action
- Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent in helminths
- Causes persistent activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and inhibition of cholinesterase
- Results in spastic paralysis of the nematode, allowing expulsion by peristalsis without host absorption
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pyrantel or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant administration with piperazine (antagonistic effects)
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Central nervous system: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia
- Dermatologic: Rash, urticaria
- Hepatic: Transient elevations in AST/ALT
Drug Interactions
- Piperazine: Antagonistic effect; avoid concurrent use
- Theophylline: May increase serum theophylline concentrations due to decreased clearance
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use