Can I Get Deworming Medicine Over the Counter? A Guide

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the United States, with an estimated 40 million people infected. If you're wondering, Can I get deworming medicine over the counter? the answer is yes, for specific types of worms.

Quick Summary

Yes, you can obtain deworming medication over the counter, specifically for pinworm infections. For other types of parasitic worms, a prescription from a healthcare provider is necessary.

Key Points

OTC for Pinworms: In the U.S., you can buy deworming medicine over the counter, but it is primarily for pinworm infections.
Pyrantel Pamoate: The active ingredient in most OTC dewormers is pyrantel pamoate, which paralyzes worms so they can be expelled.
Prescription Needed for Others: For other parasites like tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms, you need a prescription for medications like albendazole or mebendazole.
Treat the Household: Because pinworms are highly contagious, it is recommended to treat all household members at the same time, following product instructions or medical guidance.
Follow Treatment Instructions: OTC treatment kills live worms but not their eggs, so following the recommended treatment schedule, often including a second administration, is crucial to help prevent reinfection.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure of the infection type, if symptoms persist, or for children under two years old.
Hygiene is Key: Strict hygiene, including frequent hand washing and laundering of bedding, is vital to help prevent reinfection and spread.

Understanding Parasitic Worm Infections

Parasitic worms, or helminths, are a common health issue worldwide, affecting millions of people in the United States alone. While more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, certain intestinal worms are present in the U.S.. The most frequent type is the pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), which is highly contagious and often affects school-aged children and their families. Other types of worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, also infect humans but typically require different treatments.

Common Symptoms of Worm Infections

While some individuals may have intestinal worms for years without any symptoms, many experience a range of issues. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward seeking appropriate treatment. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain, gas, or bloating
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Itching around the rectum or vulva, especially at night (a classic sign of pinworms)
Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
Restless sleep or insomnia
In some cases, you might see small, white, thread-like worms in stool or around the anal region.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Deworming Options

In the United States, the primary deworming medication available without a prescription is pyrantel pamoate. It is sold under brand names like Reese's Pinworm Medicine, Pin-X, and other generic labels.

Pyrantel Pamoate: How It Works

Targeted Use: Pyrantel pamoate is FDA-approved and effective specifically for treating pinworm infections. It is sometimes used off-label for other roundworm infections like ascariasis.
Mechanism: This medication works by paralyzing the worms' nervous systems, causing them to be expelled from the body through the stool. It does not kill the worm eggs.
Treatment: Treatment involves administering the medication according to the product's instructions or a healthcare provider's guidance. A second administration is typically recommended after a certain period to address any newly hatched worms and help prevent reinfection, as the medication does not destroy the eggs. It is important to treat all members of a household to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious infection.

Prescription Deworming Medications

For most other types of worm infections, such as tapeworm, hookworm, and whipworm, a prescription from a healthcare provider is necessary. A doctor can accurately diagnose the specific type of parasite and prescribe the most effective medication. Common prescription anthelmintics include:

Albendazole (Albenza): A broad-spectrum medication used to treat various worm infections, including tapeworm. For some infections, treatment can last for several weeks.
Mebendazole (Emverm): Effective against pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, and hookworm. It works by preventing worms from absorbing sugar, which kills them. While available OTC in some countries, it is prescription-only in the U.S. for children over 6 months and adults.
Ivermectin (Stromectol): Used to treat certain types of roundworm infections.

Comparison: OTC vs. Prescription Dewormers


Feature	OTC (Pyrantel Pamoate)	Prescription (e.g., Albendazole, Mebendazole)
Availability	Widely available in pharmacies without a prescription.	Requires a doctor's diagnosis and prescription.
Primary Target	Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis).	Broad-spectrum, effective against pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, etc..
Mechanism	Paralyzes worms, allowing them to be passed in the stool.	Varies; often kills worms by starving them of glucose.
Treatment Course	Typically involves following product or healthcare provider instructions, often with a repeat administration.	Varies from a single administration to multi-week courses depending on the infection.
When to Use	When a pinworm infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, and you are treating the entire household according to product instructions or medical advice.	For any suspected worm infection other than pinworms, or if OTC treatment is ineffective, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

When to See a Doctor

While it's possible to self-treat for pinworms, consulting a healthcare professional is always the safest approach. It is especially important to see a doctor if:

You are unsure what type of worm you have.
Symptoms persist after completing an OTC treatment course according to instructions.
You are pregnant or have liver disease.
The infected person is a child under 2 years old.
You experience severe symptoms like blood or pus in your stool, daily vomiting, high fever, or extreme fatigue.

A doctor can perform tests, such as a stool sample analysis or a 'tape test' for pinworm eggs, to provide an accurate diagnosis and ensure you receive the correct treatment.

Preventing Worm Infections and Reinfection

The best way to manage worm infections is through prevention. Good hygiene is critical, especially during and after treatment, to avoid reinfection and transmission to others.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food.
Keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent eggs from collecting under them.
Wash all bedding, pajamas, and towels in hot water.
Clean and vacuum living and sleeping areas regularly.
Discourage scratching the anal area.

Conclusion

So, can you get deworming medicine over the counter? Yes, for pinworms, pyrantel pamoate is an effective and accessible option when used according to instructions or medical advice. However, its use is limited to this specific, common parasite. For any other type of intestinal worm or if you're uncertain about the cause of your symptoms, a medical diagnosis is essential for safe and effective treatment. Always prioritize consulting a healthcare professional to address parasitic infections and follow strict hygiene practices to prevent their spread.

For more information on parasitic diseases, you can visit the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen or medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common and effective over-the-counter dewormer for humans is pyrantel pamoate, sold under brand names like Reese's Pinworm Medicine. It is specifically used to treat pinworm infections when used as directed.

Common symptoms can include itching around the anus (especially at night), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. In some instances, small, white, thread-like worms may be visible in stool.

No, over-the-counter dewormers like pyrantel pamoate are specifically effective against pinworms when used as directed. For other worms like tapeworms or hookworms, you will need a prescription medication from a doctor.

The initial administration typically targets live worms, but it does not kill their eggs. A subsequent administration, often recommended after a specific period, helps eliminate worms that have hatched since the first treatment, assisting in preventing reinfection.

Over-the-counter pinworm medicine is generally intended for adults and children aged 2 years and older. It is important to consult a doctor before giving any deworming medication to a child under two years of age.

While not always required for pinworms, consulting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis is recommended, especially if you are uncertain of the cause of symptoms. Seeing a doctor is necessary if symptoms continue after completing treatment as directed or for infections in children under two years old.

Pyrantel pamoate is an over-the-counter medication that primarily treats pinworms by paralyzing them. Albendazole is a prescription drug with a broader spectrum, used for various worm infections including tapeworms and hookworms, that functions by preventing worms from absorbing nutrients.

Like all medications, over-the-counter dewormers can have side effects. Common ones can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. It's important to read the product label and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or experience severe side effects.

Good hygiene is crucial. This includes frequent hand washing, especially before eating and after using the toilet, keeping fingernails short, and regularly washing bedding and clothing in hot water.