Pyrantel Pamoate

What is this medication for?

• Ascarids (Toxocara canis, T. leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala), Physaloptera
• Same parasite spectrum — used off-label but considered safe/effective

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Adverse effects unlikely at recommended doses

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Emesis (occasional) (Uncommon)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Use with caution in severely debilitated animals
• has or has had: None major

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Levamisole, morantel
  • Piperazine
  • Diethylcarbamazine, organophosphates

Storage and handling

Tight, light-resistant container, room temperature (15–30°C); protect suspension from freezing; shake suspension before use.

Good to know

• Core component of standard puppy/kitten deworming protocols (starting as early as 2–3 weeks of age) due to its excellent safety margin.
• Frequently combined with praziquantel (Drontal) to add cestode coverage — confirm which combination product is in use when reviewing a patient's deworming history.
• A. caninum resistance to pyrantel has been reported — consider this in cases of apparent treatment failure with recurring hookworm burdens.