Pinworms And Treatment Options

What Are Pinworms?

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are the most common intestinal parasite in the U.S.
Pinworms occur most often in school-age children, but are highly contagious, and can
easily spread to the entire family. According to the Center for Disease Control, pinworm
infestation is twice as common as head lice, and some sources estimate as much as
20% of the U.S. population is affected annually with pinworms. It is estimated that
pinworms infect more than 600,000,000 people throughout the world, and in many
areas of the world (e.g., North America and Europe) it is the most common nematode
parasite of humans.

• Adult pinworms live in the large intestines; males and females are about 5 mm and 10
mm long, respectively. After copulation the males die. When the female is ready to lay
eggs she crawls out of the anus and deposits the eggs on the perianal skin; a single
female can produce more than 10,000 eggs. After laying her eggs, the female also dies.
At body temperature the eggs develop quickly and are infective (contain 3rd stage
juvenile worms) in about six hours. When ingested by another person the eggs hatch in
the small intestine, and the juvenile worms grow into adult, sexually mature worms in
about a month.

• Pinworms infections can be asymptomatic or result in mild gastrointestinal upsets. A
common symptom associated with pinworm infections is perianal itching. Scratching of
the perianal skin to relieve the itching can lead to bacterial infections that result in more
itching, etc. This cycle can result in a situation where the infected person becomes very
uncomfortable. Children infected with pinworms often undergo behavioral changes,
including restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. In women, the adult pinworms can
enter the vagina and cause additional irritation.

• Pinworms are highly contagious! The eggs are infective within a few hours of being
laid, and they are deposited directly on the perianal skin. Bed linens, clothing, carpets,
etc., can be contaminated with eggs. The infected person's hands will, invariable, be
contaminated with eggs, providing a route for reinfection and egg dispersal (even into
the classroom). It is for this reason that if one member of a family is infected for
pinworms, the whole family is treated.

• There is evidence that Dientamoeba fragilis, a "protozoan parasite" of humans, is
transmitted among humans in the eggs of pinworms. Thus, pinworm and
Dientamoeba infections may occur simultaneously. Pinworm infections are detected by
finding the eggs or worms on the perianal skin. If the perianal skin is examined using a
flashlight the worms can be seen; they literally "glow" under the bright light. Because the
female pinworms lay their eggs during the early morning hours, it is the child's parent
who must examine the perianal skin for the worms. Understandably, finding pinworms
on your child's perianal skin is not something a parent soon forgets. Eggs on the
perianal skin can be detected by using a piece of cellophane ("Scotch") tape attached to
a wooden applicator stick, sticky side out. The tape is then pressed against the perianal
skin and later examined for eggs. This is best done as soon as a child awakens.

• Under 25 pounds or two years of age
= Consult your physician

• 25 to 37 pounds = 1/2 teaspoon

• 38 to 62 pounds = 1 teaspoon

• 63 to 87 pounds = 1-1/2 teaspoons

• 88 to 112 pounds = 2 teaspoons

• 113 to 137 pounds = 2-1/2 teaspoons

• 138 to 162 pounds = 3 teaspoons

• 163 to 187 pounds = 3-1/2 teaspoons

• 188 pounds and over = 4 teaspoons

Pyrantel Pamoate 50 mg./ml

Safe & Effective For The Whole Family!

Active Ingredient For Both: Pyrantel Base

Pin-X Liquid Inactive Ingredients:

Citric Acid (anhydrous), Flavor, Glycerin,
Lecithin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate,
Methylparaben, Polysorbate 80, Povidone,
Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified
Water, Saccharin Sodium, Simethicone
Emulsion, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitol Solution

Pronto Plus! Inactive Ingredients:

Acesulfame Potassium, Citric Acid, Dibasic
Sodium Phosphate, Flavor, Methylparaben,
Microcrystalline Cellulose (and)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Polysorbate
80, Propylene Glyco,; Propylparaben, Purified
Water, Sorbitol.

Dosage Instructions - Chewable

• Convenient Chewable Tablet

• Single Dose Effectiveness

• Pleasant Tasting

• 2 years to Adult

Take only one dose unless directed by
doctor.

• Under 25 lbs or under age 2

= consult a doctor

• 25-37 lbs - 1/2 tablet

• 38-62 lbs - 1 tablet

• 63-87 lbs - 1 1/2 tablets

• 88-112 lbs - 2 tablets

• 113-137 lbs - 2 1/2 tablets

• 138-162 lbs - 3 tablets

• 163-187 lbs - 3 1/2 tablets

• Over 187 lbs - 4 tablets

Do not use if tamper-evident seal under cap
is broken or missing or if carton is opened.
Read package insert carefully before using.
If sign of pinworms persist, see a doctor.

Store at 15 - 30° C (59-86° F)

Active Ingredients: Pyrantel Pamoate

Pin-X Chewable Inactive Ingredients:
Aspartame, Citric Acid, Colloidal Silicon
Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, Dextrose,
FD&C Yellow 6 Lake, Flavors, Magnesium
Stearate, Maltodextrin, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid

How To Eliminate Pinworms

The best way to treat pinworms is to use an over-the-counter pinworm medication, such
as Pin-X ® or Pronto Plus!. Formerly available by prescription only, FDA approved Pin-X
® and Pronto Plus! are now available OTC. Pin-X ® or Pronto Plus! are both pleasant
tasting, caramel or cherry flavored liquid pinworm medicines that usually requires only a
single dose to eliminate pinworms. Because pinworms are so highly contagious, all
family members should be treated. Dosing is according to patient weight... while several
children can be treated with a single bottle of Pin-X ® or Pronto Plus!, if there are two or
more adults, two bottles may be required. Because reinfestation from existing pinworm
eggs in the home is possible, many families will do a follow-up pinworm treatment at
two weeks. Pin-X ® is also available as a great tasting chewable.

Why do I have to treat my whole family?

Labeled instructions should be followed exactly. It is estimated that about 20% of the
population may have pinworms at any given time, and while some family members may
not have symptoms, they may be the source for infesting and re-infesting other family
members. The eggs are microscopic and easily airborne, leading to infestation by
inhalation and ingestion. The Merck Manual (and other current medical literature) uses
some very strong language in recommending that the patient's entire household be
treated. Everyone should be taught or reminded of the importance of good hygiene,
specifically thorough hand washing after going to the restroom or playing outdoors
before meals.

Safe & Affordable... Pin-X® and Pronto Plus! pinworm treatments are very well tolerated
and safe when used as directed. The active ingredient works within the intestinal tract to
eliminate pinworms and their eggs... works within 24-48 hours... and does not readily
pass into the bloodstream. Formerly available by prescription only, Pin-X® and Pronto
Plus! are now available over the counter. So the next time you suspect a case of
pinworms, reach for Pin-X ® or Pronto Plus! and eliminate the problem from top to
bottom.

If you have questions about an order you've placed,

please don't hesitate to contact Drugstore.com at:1-800-drugstore

Pin-X is part of the Drugstore.com, Inc. Associate Program. Drugstore.com

agrees to ship products and provide customer service for orders received through this site.

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the
advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the
information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing
any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you
have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Pin-X® is a registered trademark of Probst Pharmaceuticals, LLC.