Pyrantel is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.

Pyrantel is used to treat infections caused by pinworms.

Pyrantel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Pyrantel comes as a capsule and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose for pinworm and roundworm infections. The dose usually is repeated after 2 weeks for pinworm infections. For hookworm infections, pyrantel usually is taken once a day for 3 days. Pyrantel may be taken with food, juice, or milk or on an empty stomach.

Shake the liquid well to mix the medication evenly. Pyrantel may be mixed with milk or fruit juice. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pyrantel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may take pyrantel with or without food. pyrantel may be taken with milk or juice.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Pyrantel doses are based on weight. Carefully follow all dosing instructions.

Using a laxative will not make pyrantel work better or faster. Tell your doctor if you are constipated.

Call your doctor if you still see pinworms or have symptoms after taking this medicine.

If you live with other people, all members of the household may need to be treated with pyrantel. Pinworm can spread easily to anyone who has close contact with you. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use pyrantel if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pyrantel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Pyrantel is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how pyrantel will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pyrantel may cause serious side effects. Stop using pyrantel and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• severe dizziness; or

• ongoing headache.

Common side effects of pyrantel may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect pyrantel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to pyrantel.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the pyrantel, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.