Disease Encyclopedia | Gastrointestinal | Pinworm Infection

How people get pinworms?

Pinworms in large intestine 

Pinworm infection is common among young children and usually acquired in kinder gardens, schools, other children gathering places or through improperly washed or cooked foods.

Pinworms (roundworms)Pinworms infection is the most common type of all worm infections, because it is easy to be acquired and because it causes a lot of irritation for both children and adults beside it is usually treated with self treatment O.T.C anthelmintics, which is our main direction at “Drug Information for Dummies”.

Pryantel pamoate
Drug category and usage

An OTC anathematic drug is used to treat infestation by pinworms “Enterobiasis vermicularis” (the scientific name of pinworms). No other worm infestation is amenable to OTC treatment.

Pinworms are intestinal worms inhabit the small and large intestine after oral ingestion of the larvae. The larvae mature and remain in the intestine for their lifetime. The female pinworm migrates down the intestinal tract during the night and deposits her eggs in the large intestine and around the anal sphincter. This causes intense nocturnal anal itching, the characteristic symptom associated with this condition.

Female pinworms are approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.63–1.25 cm) in length and can be seen at the anal sphincter area during the night. They may also be present in the stools and appear as white, threadlike contaminants. and can be a source of re-entry into the body if hand and fingernail beds are not thoroughly cleaned. Larvae may survive for up to 3 weeks in contaminated clothing, bedding, and bath towels, and on other surfaces.

Pinworms usually affect young children and it is not uncommon for an entire family to become infected.

Disease Control 

Infected individuals should wear tight-fitting underwear to reduce contamination, and clothing and bedding must be washed in hot, soapy water. Items that are handled by individuals with pinworms must be disinfected, especially areas in the bathroom such as the toilet seat, tub or shower, and all faucet and door handles.

Mode of action

Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker in the pinworm.It prevents the worm from clinging to the intestinal mucosa to obtain its nutrients and so it dies. There is no need to use laxative products to remove the affected pinworms from the GI tract.Warnings and precautionsAbdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness may occur after taking pyrantel pamoate, and a physician should be consulted if the condition persists. The drug should not be taken by those with liver disease unless directed by a physician.Recommended doseThe dose for adults and children aged 2 years and older is based on the individual’s weight and is 11 mg per kilogram (5 mg per pound) body weight.The maximum dose is 1 g. A single oral dose is required, and the entire family should be treated at the same time. If there is a recurrence of pinworms, a second dose should not be taken unless advised to do so by a physician.

Lab Investigation rarely to be used because of the undoubted clear symptoms but may reveal undiscovered infection during other disease investigations

A silver compound ointments called white precipitate may be applied locally at the anal opening to kill mature worms but because of its toxicity its use is restricted and need high caution and physician recommendation.