Active ingredient
Pyrantel (pamoate) for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
Pyrantel is a tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintic [1]. In Heartgard Plus it is given to dogs at a minimum of 5 mg/kg (as pamoate) once a month against roundworms and hookworms [2].
- Drug class
- Tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintic
- Sourced doses for
- Dogs
- Brands on this site
- Heartgard Plus
Pyrantel (pamoate) dose by species
| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Roundworms and hookworms (as Heartgard Plus) Minimum dose; as pamoate salt. | 5 mg/kg[2] | PO | Once a month | Heartgard Plus only |
What pyrantel (pamoate) is used for
- Dogs: roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms, with ivermectin in Heartgard Plus [2].
How pyrantel (pamoate) works (mechanism of action)
Tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel, oxantel, morantel) are highly potent cholinergic agonists that cause paralysis through their effect at nicotinic receptors [1].
Brands that contain pyrantel (pamoate)
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartgard Plus | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health | Ivermectin + Pyrantel (pamoate) | USA (FDA label) |
Frequently asked questions
How does pyrantel work?
It is a cholinergic agonist that paralyses worms by acting at nicotinic receptors [1].
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Ask WeVet about thisMedically reviewed by
Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.
Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026
References
- Pharmacodynamics: Mechanisms of Anthelmintic Action in Animals
Passage read from this source
Tetrahydropyrimidine compounds (pyrantel, oxantel, morantel) are highly potent cholinergic agonists.
These anthelmintics cause paralysis by virtue of their effect at nicotinic receptors.
- HEARTGARD PLUS (ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate) chewable — label
Passage read from this source
6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight
treatment and control of roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.