Pamix

In the U.S.

• Ascarel
• Pamix
• Pinworm
• Pin-X

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet, Chewable
• Suspension
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Anthelmintic

Pyrantel belongs to the family of medicines called anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are used in the treatment of worm infections.

Pyrantel is used to treat pinworms (enterobiasis; oxyuriasis).

This medicine may also be used for other worm infections as determined by your doctor.

Pyrantel works by paralyzing the worms. They are then passed in the stool.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

For patients taking pyrantel for pinworms:

• In some patients, pinworms may return after treatment with pyrantel. The following may help to prevent this:
  • Avoiding scratching the area around the buttocks.
  • Washing hands and fingernails with soap often during the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Wearing tight underpants both day and night. Changing them daily.
  • Cleaning the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping for several days after treatment. Avoiding dry sweeping that may stir up dust.
  • Keeping the toilet seat clean.
  • Washing (not shaking) all bedding and nightclothes (pajamas) after treatment.
• Some doctors may also recommend other measures to help keep your infection from returning. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Skin rash

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• trouble in sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Applies to pyrantel: oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable

Along with its needed effects, pyrantel may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking pyrantel:

• Skin rash

Some side effects of pyrantel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• irritability
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• trouble in sleeping

Applies to pyrantel: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included skin rashes.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included transient increases in liver enzymes values.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, and headache.[Ref]

Some side effects of pyrantel may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.