From the FDA Drug Label
Adults, children 12 years of age and over, and children 2 years to under 12 years of age: Oral dosage is a single dose of 5 milligrams of pyrantel base per pound, or 11 milligrams per kilogram, of body weight not to exceed 1 gram. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mebendazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), The treatment for pinworms in pediatrics can be:
- Pyrantel pamoate (PO): a single dose of 5 milligrams of pyrantel base per pound, or 11 milligrams per kilogram, of body weight not to exceed 1 gram 1
- Mebendazole (PO): used for the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) 2
From the Research
The treatment of choice for pinworm infections in children is oral antiparasitic medication, specifically mebendazole (100 mg) or albendazole (400 mg) as a single dose, which can be repeated after two weeks to eliminate any newly hatched worms, as recommended by the most recent study 3. The choice of medication is based on the efficacy and safety of the drugs, with mebendazole and albendazole being both adulticidal and ovicidal, making them the preferred options 3. Some key points to consider when treating pinworm infections in children include:
- The importance of treating all household members simultaneously to prevent reinfection 3, 4
- The need for thorough hygiene measures, such as washing hands frequently, keeping fingernails short, and cleaning toilet seats and bathroom surfaces regularly 3, 5
- The potential for reinfection, especially in group settings like schools or daycare centers 3, 4
- The use of pyrantel pamoate (11 mg/kg, maximum 1 gram) as an alternative treatment option, although it is only adulticidal 3, 6 It is essential to note that the treatment of pinworm infections should be guided by the most recent and highest-quality evidence, and that the specific treatment regimen may vary depending on the individual case and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider 3.