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Pyrantel pamoate
Pyrantel pamoate is a broad-spectrum antihelmintic agent.
- uses
- mechanism
- dose and half-life
- adverse drug reactions
- counter-indications and drug interactions
- metabolism and excretion
- dependency
Uses
- enterobius vermicularis
- ascaris lumbercoides
- trichostrongylus orientalis
- hookworm
Mechanism
- depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, causing release of acetylcholine and inhibition of cholinesterase
- results in stimulation of ganglionic receptors and worm paralysis, followed by expulsion
Dose and Half Life
- standard dose is 11 mg/kg, with a max of 1 g
- for pinworm, a single dose is repeated at 2 and four weeks, with cure rates higher than 95%
- for ascaris, pyrantel is given as a single dose, with cure rates from 85-100%
Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse effects occur in 4-20% of patients and are usually mild and transient. They can include:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia
- rash, fever, weakness
Counter-Indications and Drug Interactions
There are no contraindications, but it should be used with caution in patients with liver dysfunction.
Metabolism and Excretion