pyrantel

Pyrantel is an oral anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication used to treat a variety of intestinal worm infections including pinworm (Enterobiasis), roundworm (Ascariasis), and hookworm. It acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking agent in susceptible nematodes by promoting the release of acetylcholine and inhibiting cholinesterase. This causes persistent activation of nicotinic receptors on the parasite's muscle cells leading to spastic paralysis; the paralyzed worms are then expelled from the body via normal peristalsis. Pyrantel is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in humans and is typically administered as a single dose for pinworms or roundworms and over several days for hookworms[1][2][3][4][6].

Brand names

AscarelPamixPinwormPin-XPin-AwayAntiminthPinworm MedicinePinworm Caplets

Other names

pyrantel pamoate