How much pyrantel do I give my child?

Dose by weight: 5 mg of pyrantel base per pound, up to 1 gram; follow the label's weight chart.

Do I need a second pinworm dose?

The label says single dose unless a doctor directs; the CDC's clinical guidance repeats in two weeks. Ask your doctor.

How do I stop pinworms coming back?

Handwashing, short nails, morning baths and hot laundry for two weeks after the last dose, per the CDC.

Can toddlers take pinworm medicine?

Not under 2 years or 25 lbs unless a doctor directs.

Home / Baby and child care

Pinworm treatment

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Quick answerThe over-the-counter pinworm medicine is pyrantel pamoate, an anthelmintic dosed by body weight: 5 mg of pyrantel base per pound (11 mg per kg), up to 1 gram (4 chewable tablets), for ages 2 and older. The product label says take it once as a single dose and do not repeat unless a doctor directs, while the CDC's clinical guidance gives a second dose two weeks later, because the medicine kills worms but not eggs. Ask your doctor about that second dose. Treat the whole household, and for two weeks after the last dose wash hands often, bathe every morning and launder bedding in hot water.

Our picks at a glance

Pyrantel pamoate pinworm chewable tablets. Best for: Treating pinworms at home, ages 2 and older. See options on Amazon
Nail clippers and nail brush set. Best for: Keeping nails short and clean. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

Pyrantel dose by weight

Body weight	Chewable tablets (single dose)	Label direction
Less than 25 lbs or under 2 years	Do not use unless a doctor directs	Ask a doctor
25 to 37 lbs	Half a tablet	Single dose
38 to 62 lbs	1 tablet	Single dose
63 to 87 lbs	1 and a half tablets	Single dose
88 to 112 lbs	2 tablets	Single dose
138 to 162 lbs	3 tablets	Single dose
188 lbs and over	4 tablets	Single dose; not more than 1 gram

Details are from a pinworm medicine (pyrantel pamoate 720.5 mg, equal to 250 mg pyrantel base) DailyMed label, which also lists in-between weights (113 to 137 lbs: 2 and a half tablets; 163 to 187 lbs: 3 and a half tablets).

One dose or two?

The OTC label says take it one time as a single dose and do not repeat treatment unless directed by a doctor. The CDC's clinical guidance for health care providers lists pyrantel pamoate at 11 mg/kg by mouth, maximum 1 g, repeated in two weeks. The CDC explains that the medicines kill worms but not eggs, so the second dose targets worms that hatch after the first treatment.

Because the label and the CDC guidance differ, call your doctor or pharmacist before giving a second dose. They can confirm the diagnosis and tell you whether, and when, to repeat.

Treat the household

The label says treat the entire household unless otherwise advised. The CDC notes repeat infections are common, especially in childcare centers and schools, and that household members and close contacts should follow good hygiene practices, including bathing and laundering clothing and bedding.

Most people with pinworm have no symptoms, the CDC says; when symptoms occur, the main one is itching around the anus. So a family member may be infected without knowing it.

Hygiene steps for two weeks

Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before handling food.
Nails short and clean. Trim and scrub fingernails after treatment; avoid scratching and nail biting.
Morning bath. Bathe every morning and change underwear to remove eggs deposited overnight. Showers are better than tub baths, and children should bathe separately.
Laundry. Change night clothes, underwear, washcloths, towels and bedding often; avoid shaking them; wash in hot water at least 130 F and dry in a hot dryer.
Do not share or reuse washcloths.

The CDC says everyone in the household should follow these steps for two weeks after the last treatment dose.

Side effects and warnings

The label says abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or dizziness sometimes occur; if any persist, consult a doctor. Ask a doctor before use if you are pregnant or have liver disease. Consult a doctor if worms other than pinworms are present, or if symptoms or pinworms are still present after treatment.

The CDC notes the safety of pinworm medicines has not been studied in pregnant women. In case of overdose, contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Taking the medicine

The label says pyrantel can be taken any time of day, with or without meals, alone or with milk or fruit juice, and that a laxative is not necessary before, during or after. Carefully read the side panel before use, and do not exceed the recommended dosage unless directed by a doctor. Each chewable tablet contains calcium 115 mg. Store between 15 and 30 C (59 to 86 F), protected from moisture and heat.

For keeping hands clean, see our hand soap guide and kids lice treatment guide for another common household pest.

What to look for when you buy

Pyrantel pamoate pinworm chewable tablets

Best for: Treating pinworms at home, ages 2 and older

The label lists pyrantel pamoate equal to 250 mg pyrantel base per chewable tablet, dosed by weight.

Watch out: Ask a doctor about a second dose; under 25 lbs or 2 years, ask a doctor.

See options on Amazon

Nail clippers and nail brush set

Best for: Keeping nails short and clean

The CDC says keep fingernails clean and short, and trim and scrub them after treatment.

Watch out: Use a separate brush for each family member.