Drug Study: Pyrantel

DRUG NAME	CLASSIFICATION	DOSE	MECHANISM OF ACTION	CONTRAINDICATIONS	SIDE EFFECTS	NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Pyrantel Pamoate Brand Name: Helmintox	Classification:  anti-nematodal thiophene Indication: used as a deworming agent in the treatment of hookworms (all species) and roundworms	Dose: 5 mL Route: PO Frequency: Once	Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, thereby causing sudden contraction, followed by paralysis, of the helminths. This has the result of causing the worm to "lose its grip" on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the system by natural process. Since Pyrantel is poorly absorbed by the host's intestine, the host is unaffected by the small dosage of medication used. Spastic (tetanic) paralyzing agents, in particular pyrantel pamoate, may induce complete intestinal obstruction in a heavy worm load	· Pregnancy— Use of pyrantel during pregnancy is not recommended. · Pyrantel is poorly and incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and resulting maternal serum concentrations are low (0.05 to 0.13 mcg/mL). Therefore, it is unlikely that significant amounts of pyrantel would be excreted in breast milk. Problems in humans have not been documented.	·     Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal cramps,headache, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. ·     For immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.	·                   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.. ·                   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. ·                   Perianal examinations    (cellophane tape swabs of the perianal area to detect the presence of ova may be required prior to and starting 1 week following treatment with pyrantel) ·                   Stool examinations    (may be required prior to and approximately 2 weeks following treatment with pyrantel to determine efficacy or provide proof of cure; because of colonic mixing, ova may persist in the stool for up to 1 week following cure)