Depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent — causes spastic paralysis of nematodes by acting as a cholinergic agonist at nicotinic receptors
At a glance
Class
Tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintic
Dosing
Roundworms (Toxocara, Toxascaris)
Duration: Repeat in 2-3 weeks; puppies: every 2 weeks from 2 weeks age until 12 weeks
Hookworms (Ancylostoma)
Frequency
Single dose, repeat in 2-3 weeks
Duration: Repeat dosing to clear larvae
Roundworms and hookworms
Frequency
Single dose, repeat in 2-3 weeks
Duration: Kittens: every 2 weeks from 3 weeks age until 12 weeks
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Concurrent organophosphate/levamisole use
Synergistic cholinergic toxicity — cholinergic crisis risk
LevamisoleOrganophosphates
Adverse effects
Serious
Cholinergic signs if overdosed (salivation, muscle tremors)
Faecal examination 2-3 weeks post-treatment
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Pyrantel Pamoate?
Pyrantel Pamoate is a tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintic used in pets. Depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent — causes spastic paralysis of nematodes by acting as a cholinergic agonist at nicotinic receptors
›What is Pyrantel Pamoate used for in pets?
Pyrantel Pamoate is used in veterinary medicine for: Roundworms (Toxocara, Toxascaris); Hookworms (Ancylostoma); Roundworms and hookworms.
›What is the Pyrantel Pamoate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pyrantel Pamoate is typically dosed as follows — Roundworms (Toxocara, Toxascaris): 5–10 mg/kg PO Single dose; Hookworms (Ancylostoma): 5–10 mg/kg PO Single dose, repeat in 2-3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Pyrantel Pamoate dose for cats?
For cats, Pyrantel Pamoate is typically dosed as follows — Roundworms and hookworms: 5–10 mg/kg PO Single dose, repeat in 2-3 weeks. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Pyrantel Pamoate?
Common: Vomiting, Mild diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cholinergic signs if overdosed (salivation, muscle tremors).
›Does Pyrantel Pamoate need a prescription?
Yes. Pyrantel Pamoate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Pyrantel Pamoate not be used?
Do not use Pyrantel Pamoate if: Concurrent organophosphate/levamisole use.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 6
Pyrantel Tartrate
M/s Pfizer Private Limited · Approved 1969 April
In the treatment if infestation with G.I round Worm in Sheep, Cattle & swine (Broad Spectrum Anthelmintic)
3-Methyl Pyrantel Tartrate
M/s Pfizer Private Limited Bombay · Approved 1970. May
Pyrantel embonate with fabental suspension
M/s Bayer India Limited · Approved 23.04.2001
for treatment of infestation caused by round worms, ascarids hook worms whip worm in puppies and young dogs.
Praziquntel 175mg + Pyrantel 504mg + Febental 525mg Tablets
Mm/s Bayer Healthcare · Approved 30.03.2010
For the Treatment of mixed infections with roundworms and tapeworms in dogs
Praziquantal 20mg +Pyrantel embonate 230 mg
M/s Bayer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd · Approved 25.11.2013
for the treatment mixed infestations with roundworms and tapeworms in dogs
Praziquantal 20mg+Pyrantel embonate 230mg Tablet ( Veterinary product)
M/s. Bayer Healthcare · Approved 25.11.2013
For the treatment mixed infestations with roundworms and tapeworms in Dogs
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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