Skip to main content

Pet Medication 101: Pyrantel Pamoate

Estimated Reading Time 2 minutes
Pet Medication 101: Pyrantel Pamoate

It’s important to understand a medication’s uses and side effects before giving it to your pet. This medication info sheet is meant to give you a good understanding of what pyrantel pamoate (Strongid) is used for, how it works, and potential side effects in cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.

Are you concerned about your pet?

Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes.

  • Professional vet advice online
  • Low-cost video vet consultations
  • Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

1. Drug Name:

pyrantel pamoate

2. Brand Names:

Strongid, Nemex, Drontal (contains pyrantel pamoate)

3. How Dispensed:

Over the counter and prescription

4. Forms:

Tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquid suspension, and paste

5. Drug Type/Class:

Anthelmintic (dewormer)

6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:

Treatment for intestinal parasites (roundworm, hookworm, strongyles, pinworms) in dogs. Used off-label for the treatment of intestinal parasites in cats. Also used off-label to treat certain parasites in rabbits and other small rodents.

7. How it Works:

Pyrantel paralyzes the intestinal worm, allowing the body to pass the parasite out through the stool.

8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:

Side effects are unlikely but may include decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs of toxicity include increased respiratory rate and profuse sweating.

9. Drug Interactions:

Organophosphates and piperazine

10. Cautionary Statements:

Use with caution in severely debilitated animals.

Considered safe in nursing animals, but should be used with caution in pregnant animals.

Read more:

Deworming Your Dog - Q&A

Roundworms in Dogs and Cats

Hookworms in Dog and Cats

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet's medication or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.


Published: 6/11/2021
Last updated: 8/9/2021

Are you concerned about your pet?

Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes.

Get started
  • Low-cost video vet consultations, 24 hours a day Low-cost video vet consultations, 24 hours a day
  • Experienced, licensed vets Experienced, licensed vets
  • Over 700,000 satisfied pet owners Over 700,000 satisfied pet owners
Download app for iosDownload app for android