Pyrantel Pamoate
Contraindicated
Textbook
Antagonistic effect, reducing efficacy.
Should not be used concomitantly.
Source: Harrison 22e · p1751
Drug reference
piperazine
Anthelmintic
Anthelmintic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
5 major
incl. contraindicated
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 6 →
- Pyrantel PamoateContraindicatedTextbookHarrison 22e · p1751
- BupropionSevereDatabaseDDInter
- IohexolSevereDatabaseDDInter
- IopamidolSevereDatabaseDDInter
Mechanism
Causes hyperpolarization of Ascaris muscle by a GABA agonistic action. Opening of Cl¯ channels causes relaxation and depresses responsiveness to contractile action of ACh, leading to flaccid paralysis and expulsion of live worms.
Indications
Ascaris (Roundworm)Enterobius (Pin worm)Intestinal obstruction due to roundwormsPregnancy (safe to use)
Dosing
- Adult
- Roundworm: 4 g once a day for 2 consecutive days. Pin worm: 50 mg/kg (max. 2 g) once a day for 7 days OR 75 mg/kg (max. 4 g) single dose, repeated after 3 weeks.
- Pediatric
- Roundworm: 0.75 g/year of age (max. 4 g).
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
A considerable fraction of the oral dose is absorbed.
Metabolism
Partly metabolized in liver.
Excretion
Excreted in urine.
Contraindications
- Renal insufficiency
- Epileptics
Side effects
Common
NauseaVomitingAbdominal discomfortUrticaria
Serious
- Dizziness (at high doses)
- Excitement (at high doses)
- Convulsions (toxic doses)
- Respiratory failure (toxic doses)
Drug interactions
Bupropion
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: metabolism
Source: DDInter
Iohexol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Iopamidol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Tramadol
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Pyrantel
Moderate
Textbook
Reduced efficacy of pyrantel against worms.
Avoid concomitant use.
Source: KDT 7e · p852
6 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
ICMR · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2022
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2019
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2017
Multifetal pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2024
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
ACOG · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2020
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Updated: 2026-05-10