What is the over the counter dewormer for humans?

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

An estimated 1.5 billion people, or nearly 24% of the world's population, are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (worms) worldwide. For those wondering what is the over the counter dewormer for humans?, the primary option in the United States is pyrantel pamoate, which is effective against specific infections like pinworms.

Quick Summary

The main over-the-counter (OTC) dewormer for humans is pyrantel pamoate, primarily used to treat pinworm infections. For other common worms like tapeworm, roundworm, and hookworm, prescription medications such as albendazole or mebendazole are required.

Key Points

OTC Dewormer: The primary over-the-counter dewormer for humans is pyrantel pamoate, which is mainly for pinworm infections.
Prescription Needed: For other parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, you must see a doctor for a prescription medication like albendazole or mebendazole.
Mechanism of Action: Pyrantel pamoate works by paralyzing worms, allowing the body to pass them naturally. Prescription drugs often work by cutting off the worms' energy supply.
Treat the Household: Because pinworms are very contagious, it is recommended to treat everyone in the household at the same time to prevent reinfection.
Addressing Reinfection: OTC dewormers kill adult worms but not their eggs. A healthcare professional can advise on treatment approaches to address potential reinfection from newly hatched worms.
Hygiene is Crucial: Medication should be combined with strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and laundering of bedding, to break the infection cycle.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult a physician if you are pregnant, treating a child under two, unsure of the infection type, or if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Disclaimer: Information is for general knowledge, should not be taken as medical advice, and should consult with a healthcare provider.

Understanding Parasitic Worm Infections in Humans

Parasitic worm, or helminth, infections are a significant global health issue, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene. These parasites live in the human intestine, where they absorb nutrients and can cause a range of health problems. The most common types of intestinal worms that infect humans include:

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis): These are the most common worm infection in the United States. They are small, white, thread-like worms that cause intense itching around the anus, especially at night.
Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides): One of the most prevalent infections globally, ascariasis can sometimes cause abdominal pain or, in high-burden cases, intestinal obstruction.
Hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale): These parasites can penetrate the skin, often through bare feet walking on contaminated soil. They feed on blood and can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, weakness, and abdominal pain.
Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura): Infection occurs by ingesting eggs from contaminated soil or food. Heavy infections can cause painful stools containing mucus and blood, and in some cases, rectal prolapse.
Tapeworms (Taenia species): Humans can get tapeworms from eating undercooked meat from infected animals. While many infections are asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause digestive issues or, in the case of pork tapeworms, lead to a serious condition called cysticercosis if larvae invade other parts of the body.

Common Symptoms of Worm Infections

While many infections are asymptomatic, especially when the worm burden is light, some people may experience a variety of symptoms. The most common sign of pinworms is intense perianal itching. For other helminth infections, symptoms can be more generalized and may include:

Abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Anemia (due to blood loss from hookworms)
Visible worms or worm segments in the stool

What is the Over the Counter Dewormer for Humans?

The primary and most widely available over-the-counter (OTC) deworming medication for humans in the United States is pyrantel pamoate. It is sold under brand names like Reese's Pinworm Medicine, Pin-X, and Antiminth.

Pyrantel pamoate is FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of pinworm infections. Although it is effective against other worms like roundworms and hookworms, its OTC indication is limited to pinworms. For any other type of worm infection, a diagnosis and prescription from a healthcare provider are necessary.

How Pyrantel Pamoate Works

Pyrantel pamoate belongs to a class of drugs called anthelmintics. It works by acting as a neuromuscular blocking agent, which paralyzes the worms. Once paralyzed, the worms lose their grip on the intestinal wall and are then passed out of the body in the stool.

How to Use OTC Dewormers Safely

Treatment with pyrantel pamoate for pinworms is typically administered in a way that addresses both adult worms and the potential for new worms hatching from eggs. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on appropriate usage.

It is crucial to treat all members of a household simultaneously, even if they don't show symptoms, because pinworms are highly contagious. Alongside medication, strict hygiene measures are essential to prevent the spread and recurrence of infection. This includes frequent handwashing, keeping fingernails short, daily bathing, and regularly washing bedding and clothing in hot water.

Prescription Deworming Medications

For worm infections other than pinworms, or for severe pinworm cases, a doctor will prescribe stronger, broad-spectrum anthelmintics. The most common prescription dewormers are from the benzimidazole class:

Albendazole (Albenza): This is a broad-spectrum medication effective against a wide variety of worms, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm. It is better absorbed by the body, making it the preferred choice for systemic infections where larvae have invaded tissues outside the gut.
Mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm): This drug is effective against pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections. It works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugar (glucose), which causes them to lose energy and die. While highly effective for gut-based infections, it is not as well-absorbed as albendazole.

Other prescription medications like praziquantel and ivermectin are used for specific types of worm infections, such as certain tapeworms and Strongyloides.

Comparison: OTC vs. Prescription Dewormers


Feature	Pyrantel Pamoate (OTC)	Mebendazole (Prescription)	Albendazole (Prescription)
Availability	Over-the-counter	Prescription only	Prescription only
Primary Target	Pinworms	Pinworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms	Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Systemic Infections
Mechanism	Paralyzes the worms	Stops worms from absorbing glucose, starving them	Stops worms from absorbing glucose, starving them
Dosage Regimen	Consult healthcare provider	Varies depending on the worm infection	Varies depending on the worm infection
Effect on Eggs	Does not kill eggs	Does not kill eggs	Information not specified, but repeat dose often needed

When to See a Doctor

Self-treatment with an OTC dewormer is only appropriate for suspected pinworm infections. You should consult a healthcare provider in the following situations:

If you suspect you have a different type of worm (e.g., tapeworm or roundworm).
If symptoms persist after a full course of OTC treatment.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child under the age of two.
If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, bloody diarrhea, extreme fatigue, or neurological symptoms.
If you have a compromised immune system.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "What is the over the counter dewormer for humans?", the sole option readily available in places like the U.S. is pyrantel pamoate, which is effective and indicated for treating common pinworm infections. While this medication is convenient for handling the most prevalent worm issue in developed nations, it is not a cure-all. Infections involving roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, or whipworms require a medical diagnosis and more potent prescription medications like albendazole or mebendazole. Proper hygiene is just as critical as medication in preventing the cycle of reinfection. If there is any doubt about the type of infection or if symptoms are severe, consulting a doctor is always the safest course of action.

For more information on the clinical overview of pinworm infection, please refer to this authoritative resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/pinworm/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common and widely available over-the-counter (OTC) dewormer for humans is pyrantel pamoate. It is primarily used for the treatment of pinworm infections.

No, you cannot buy medication for tapeworms over the counter. Treatment for tapeworm infections requires a prescription from a doctor, who will likely prescribe a medication such as albendazole or praziquantel.

Deworming medicines work in different ways. OTC pyrantel pamoate paralyzes the worms, causing them to be expelled in the stool. Prescription drugs like mebendazole and albendazole work by preventing worms from absorbing sugar (glucose), which effectively starves them.

A healthcare professional can advise on the appropriate treatment regimen for pinworm infection, which may include follow-up doses to address potential reinfection from newly hatched worms.

Side effects are generally mild but can include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and headache. These are often due to the worms being expelled from the body. Severe reactions are rare but require medical attention.

Yes, if a pinworm infection is diagnosed or suspected in one family member, it is recommended that all household members be treated simultaneously to prevent the spread and reinfection, as pinworms are highly contagious.

You should consult a doctor before taking any deworming medication if you are pregnant. The safety of these drugs during pregnancy has not been extensively studied, and treatment is typically only considered if the benefits outweigh the potential risks, often delayed until the third trimester.