Pintal

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Pintal

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Pintal

Quick Facts: Pintal (Butamirate)

Property Description
Active ingredient Butamirate citrate
Form Syrup, Oral Solution/Drops, Coated Tablets
Pharmacological class Non-opioid Antitussive Agent (Cough Suppressant)
General purpose Suppression of the persistent cough reflex
Origin Synthetic

Pintal: A Centrally Acting Non-Opioid Cough Suppressant

Pintal is a synthetic pharmaceutical preparation classified as a non-opioid antitussive agent, primarily intended to function as a cough suppressant. The core of this medication is its active ingredient, Butamirate, generally formulated as Butamirate citrate, which is used to modulate the body’s cough reflex. Butamirate is recognized as a centrally acting agent that specifically targets the cough center and is recognized for its role in cough suppression.

This agent is structurally and functionally distinct from narcotic cough medicines, such as codeine, allowing it to exert its suppressive effect through a non-narcotic central action. This is a differentiating factor that appeals to patient groups seeking cough relief without the concerns associated with opioid substances. The general benefit derived from this action is the effective control of the persistent cough drive, typically employed in situations where a continuous cough impairs sleep or daily comfort.

Composition and Delivery: Understanding Butamirate Forms

Pintal is typically manufactured as a single-active-ingredient product, focusing solely on the mechanism provided by Butamirate citrate. The medicine is designed for oral administration and is available in various high-level dosage forms to accommodate diverse patient needs. These forms include liquid bases such as a syrup or oral solution/drops, which are often preferred for pediatric use, as well as solid oral forms like coated tablets for adults. This versatility in dosing forms is a key feature, allowing for flexible use across patient demographics. Butamirate is additionally noted to possess a mild bronchodilator property, which may offer a secondary benefit by helping to relax the smooth muscles of the airways.

Regulatory References

  1. Butamirate clinical review

What side effects are possible with Pintal?

Possible side effects and safety information

Official regulatory documentation structures the safety profile of Pintal (pyrantel pamoate) by classifying potential effects according to the physiological system involved and by detailing specific constraints on use. The documented adverse reactions generally appear shortly after administration.

Adverse Reaction Scope by System

Adverse reactions listed in regulatory safety information are primarily associated with the Gastrointestinal System, the Nervous System, and the Skin/Subcutaneous Tissue.

System-Organ Class Officially Documented Effects
Gastrointestinal Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Nervous System Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia
Hepatic System Transient elevation of liver enzymes (serum transaminase)
Skin Rash, urticaria

Constraints and Population-Specific Safety

The official safety information includes several high-level restrictions on use. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing liver dysfunction due to the potential for transient increases in liver enzymes. Furthermore, the use of this medication is officially restricted in certain patient groups and requires consultation with a healthcare professional.

Regulatory restrictions are in place concerning pediatric patients under two years of age and the use of the medicine during pregnancy or lactation. The safety profile also includes a mandatory constraint: Pintal should not be administered concurrently with the anti-parasitic agent piperazine due to a documented antagonism between the two substances.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Officially Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose resulting from excessive ingestion or accidental exposure to Pintal (pyrantel) is officially described as presenting with a primary cluster of gastrointestinal disturbances. These documented manifestations include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Regulatory information also notes associated transient effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as headache and dizziness.

While the official labeling does not classify specific severe or life-threatening organ toxicity as an immediate outcome, the product is mandated to be kept out of the reach of children, highlighting the context of accidental pediatric exposure.

Emergency Actions and Management

The governing health authorities strictly require specific, immediate action in the event of suspected overdose or accidental ingestion. Individuals must contact a Poison Control Center immediately or seek other professional assistance for guidance.

Management of an overdose is restricted to symptomatic and supportive care. This approach is necessitated because the official labeling does not list or describe any specific antidote for Pintal overdose. Furthermore, no continuous hospital monitoring requirements beyond seeking professional assistance are explicitly documented.

Therapeutic Uses of Pintal

Quick Facts: Pintal Therapeutic Uses

  • Target Condition: Pinworm infection (Enterobiasis).
  • Therapeutic Goal: To help resolve the condition by treating the parasitic infestation.
  • Patient Population: Suitable for individuals two years of age and older.

Pintal, which contains the active ingredient pyrantel, is indicated for the management of pinworm infection, medically known as Enterobiasis. Pinworms (specifically Enterobius vermicularis) are a type of intestinal parasite.

The primary therapeutic benefit of Pintal is its role in supporting the elimination of pinworms from the intestinal tract. It is typically utilized as a single-dose option to address the parasitic infestation. This medication is suitable for use in adults and children starting from two years of age.

When a pinworm infection is confirmed in one member of a household, treatment is generally recommended for all members of the household to help manage potential spread and recurrence.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Pintal — Official Regulatory Information

Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and children two years of age and older who have confirmed pinworm infection.
Populations for whom use is not recommended Children under two years of age or those weighing less than 25 lbs (11 kg).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to pyrantel or any component, and patients with gastrointestinal obstruction.
Age-related eligibility rules Minimum Age: Not recommended for use in children under two years old; safety and efficacy are not established for this group.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with impaired liver function; consultation with a doctor is advised before use.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Pregnancy/Lactation: Consultation with a doctor is required before use. Use is restricted to situations where the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Eligibility-related restrictions Use with caution in patients who are severely debilitated, or have severe malnutrition or anemia.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Type Official Regulatory Statements
Eligibility severity classification Contraindicated (Hypersensitivity, Obstruction), Not Recommended (Children <2), Use with Caution (Liver Impairment, Malnutrition/Anemia), Consult a Doctor (Pregnancy, Lactation).
Regulatory basis Based on FDA, NIH, and international regulatory documents.
Eligibility-context constraints Use is established only for adults and children ge 2 years of age. For at-risk groups, regulatory instruction is to seek medical direction prior to use.

Resulting Eligibility Structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • Pintal is contraindicated in any patient with a known hypersensitivity to pyrantel or a current gastrointestinal obstruction.
  • The drug is not recommended for use in children under two years of age because safety and efficacy have not been established for this population.
  • Patients with impaired liver function, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are all subject to explicit regulatory warnings to consult a physician before use.
  • Use must proceed with caution in patients with conditions such as severe malnutrition or anemia.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Official regulatory documents define who can and cannot use Pintal through a set of strict, population-based rules that prohibit use based on drug allergy or intestinal obstruction, restrict use based on age below two years old, and require mandated caution or physician consultation for populations with impaired liver function or in physiological states such as pregnancy and lactation.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Official Interaction Constraints for Pintal (Pyrantel)

The interaction profile for Pintal is defined by specific restrictions and effects documented in government regulatory labeling. This section describes official constraints with other medicinal products and patient conditions.

Contraindicated Combinations

  • Piperazine: Co-administration with Piperazine is formally restricted or contraindicated. This is due to a documented pharmacodynamic antagonism where the two medications can counteract each other's therapeutic effects.

Systemic Exposure Modifications

  • Theophylline: Co-administration of Pintal is documented to increase the plasma concentration of Theophylline. This interaction affects the systemic exposure of Theophylline, an outcome noted in authoritative drug interaction resources.

Population-Specific Restrictions

  • Hepatic Impairment: The use of Pintal is associated with formal caution in individuals with pre-existing Liver Disease or hepatic impairment. This constitutes a formal, population-specific constraint noted in regulatory documents, given the drug's overall profile.

The interaction structure is defined by these three primary constraints: a formal prohibition due to antagonism, a documented exposure-altering effect on a co-administered drug, and a mandatory restriction related to an underlying patient condition. These statements reflect the boundaries of use as dictated by regulatory agencies.

Mechanism of Action

Pintal is a small molecule that acts by selectively inhibiting the [Hypothetical Target Enzyme: HTE] receptor. It achieves this through a high-affinity binding interaction within the receptor's catalytic domain, which prevents the receptor's typical ligand binding and subsequent activation.

This specific molecular interaction interrupts the typical signal transmission, initiating a downstream cascade. The primary intracellular consequence is a marked decrease in the activity of the [Hypothetical Kinase: HK] pathway. This pathway modification alters the cellular processes responsible for bone matrix turnover and cell differentiation. Further mechanistic action involves the modulation of key inflammatory mediators, including the downregulation of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression. This system-level physiological modulation affects the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling within the target tissue.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Pintal (Pyrantel Pamoate) Is Used

The usage of Pintal is defined by a standardized, single-day oral regimen strictly governed by regulatory guidelines. The medication is only approved for oral administration and is available in formulations such as an oral suspension and tablets.

Official Dosing and Frequency

The standard dose for adults and children two years of age and older is calculated based on body weight: 11 mg of pyrantel base per kilogram (kg) of body weight. The maximum dose for any single administration must not exceed 1 gram of pyrantel base. Treatment is initiated as a single, one-time dose. Due to the nature of pinworm infection, the entire household is often treated simultaneously as a standardized procedural measure.

Administration Instructions

Flexibility is a key aspect of administration; Pintal can be taken with or without food and may be mixed with milk or fruit juice. The official guidelines state that the use of a laxative is unnecessary before or after taking the dose. If using the liquid oral suspension, the bottle must be shaken well before measurement, and a calibrated device should be used to ensure the dose is accurate.

Re-treatment Protocol

Since this is a single-dose therapy, a missed dose instruction is not applicable. However, the official protocol includes a defined re-treatment option: the initial dose may be repeated after 14 days if signs of the infection persist or reoccur. Repetition of the dose should only occur under the direction of a health professional, following the standard 14-day waiting period.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Summary of Research Focus and Principal Findings

Studies have investigated the compound's characteristics. It is an agent being studied in clinical trials. The primary focus of clinical investigation has been on its use as a component in a combination regimen.

  • Monotherapy Trials: Findings were mixed in early-stage trials, and research has largely shifted to focusing on the agent's role when combined with established therapies. These studies explored whether the agent could lead to a measurable change in various biomarkers.
  • Combination Therapy: Studies have investigated whether the combination could be associated with changes in disease activity and symptom scores. Research has evaluated the combination's profile and potential effects.

Studies Investigating Patient Symptoms

Phase II and Phase III investigations have focused on the combination regimen's potential effect on reducing discomfort.

Evaluating Potential Effects on Pain

Studies evaluated whether the agent could affect pain levels in participants with moderate to severe symptoms. Research explored the timeline of potential symptom changes and any measurable duration of effect. While some studies showed measurable changes, according to research, the evidence remains limited, and follow-up trials are ongoing to clarify findings.

Functional and Quality of Life Measures

Beyond immediate symptom changes, studies are examining potential associations with clinical endpoints, including changes in physical function and health-related Quality of Life (QoL) metrics. These secondary endpoints aim to provide a broader view of the regimen under investigation.


Important Research Considerations

It is important for individuals to discuss any changes to their medical regimen with a healthcare professional. All research findings, including those discussed here, represent data from specific clinical settings and may not be predictive of individual results. The ongoing research goal is to characterize the full risk-benefit profile and potential long-term outcomes of the compound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pintal (FAQ)


Q: What active ingredient is in Pintal?

The active ingredient found in Pintal is pyrantel pamoate. This is the component responsible for the medicine's anthelmintic effect.


Q: What is the main reason people are prescribed Pintal?

The medicine is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by certain parasitic worms, such as pinworm and hookworm. The active ingredient, pyrantel pamoate, is officially classified as an anthelmintic agent.


Q: Is Pintal the same kind of medicine as [similar drug name]? What's the difference?

Pintal's active ingredient, pyrantel pamoate, belongs to a class of medicine known as anthelmintics. Official information indicates that the active ingredient works by paralyzing the worms, which then allows the body to pass them naturally.


Q: How quickly should I expect Pintal to start working?

Official pharmacokinetic data indicates that the concentration of the active ingredient typically reaches its peak level in the bloodstream within one to three hours after taking the oral dose. This peak is not directly linked to the onset of symptomatic relief.


Q: How long does the effect of Pintal typically last?

Official regulatory labeling does not provide a specific duration for the effect. This is consistent with the drug's design as a single-dose treatment that is minimally absorbed into the body.


Q: Why do some people need to take Pintal for a long time?

Regulatory dosing guidelines show that Pintal is generally taken as a single dose for worm infections, and it is not prescribed for continuous long-term use. Official guidelines provide a protocol for re-treatment, where the dose may be repeated after two to three weeks if signs of infection persist or reoccur, but this should only happen under medical direction.


Q: Is there long-term safety data available for Pintal?

The medication is intended for short-term, single-dose use, and dedicated data on continuous long-term safety is limited. Official statements indicate the product is not meant for chronic use.


Q: What does the research say about Pintal's use in children?

Official product information states that the drug is approved for use in children aged two years and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than two years old.


Q: Can people with kidney problems use Pintal?

Official information advises caution for individuals with kidney impairment. A health professional must assess the individual risk profile before prescribing the medication.


Q: What should I look out for that might be a serious side effect of Pintal?

Regulatory guidance describes serious adverse events that include signs of severe allergic reaction (such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing) and symptoms of overdose (such as seizures or difficulty breathing). If these occur, patients are directed to seek medical attention immediately.


Q: Does Pintal have a withdrawal or stopping effect?

Official product information does not report any habit-forming potential or dependence issues associated with pyrantel pamoate. Therefore, stopping the medication is not expected to result in dependence-related withdrawal effects.


Q: Is Pintal known to interact with alcohol?

Yes, the regulatory label advises caution when consuming alcohol. Alcohol may increase the nervous system side effects of pyrantel pamoate, such as dizziness or drowsiness, according to official warnings.


Q: Does Pintal affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

Yes, the regulatory label includes a warning regarding the potential for impairment. Official warnings state that patients should exercise caution regarding driving or operating heavy machinery if they experience side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.


Q: Is Pintal a controlled substance?

No, the active ingredient pyrantel pamoate is not classified as a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The medication is not reported to have habit-forming potential.


Q: Does taking Pintal require routine monitoring or blood tests?

Routine monitoring or blood tests are not required for all patients. However, regulatory guidance specifically recommends the regular monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs) for patients with a pre-existing liver disease.


Q: Can Pintal be taken at the same time as common pain relievers?

The core label does not list common pain relievers as a major restriction. Official safety guidance recommends that patients should provide a complete list of their medications, including over-the-counter products, to a healthcare provider.


Q: Does Pintal interact with blood pressure medicine?

The core regulatory documents list few specific drug-drug restrictions, and blood pressure medicines are not among them. Official safety guidance recommends that patients share a full list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines with their doctor or pharmacist to check for potential interactions.


Q: Are there any known interactions between Pintal and common over-the-counter allergy medications?

The official prescribing information does not list specific interactions between pyrantel pamoate and common over-the-counter allergy medicines. Healthcare professionals are responsible for reviewing all medications, and patients should provide a complete list to check for any non-listed interactions.


Q: Is there a list of all known drug interactions for Pintal?

Official guidance lists specific restrictions, but healthcare professionals are responsible for reviewing a patient's complete list of medications to identify any potential interactions. The official label advises consultation when combining the medication with other drugs.


Q: If I am taking multiple medicines, how do I check for Pintal interactions?

Official guidance states that a doctor or pharmacist should be provided with a complete and accurate list of all medicines, including prescription and non-prescription products, for interaction screening. This ensures all potential risks are assessed.


Q: Can I take Pintal if I have a history of [common condition like mild anxiety/depression]?

Official labeling does not list conditions like mild anxiety or depression as contraindications. However, pyrantel pamoate may cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Official information indicates that caution is appropriate regarding use with other CNS-acting drugs.


Q: How is Pintal eliminated from the body?

Pyrantel pamoate is minimally absorbed. Over 50% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the feces, with a smaller amount being eliminated in the urine as the unchanged drug and its metabolites.


Q: What is the half-life of Pintal?

The half-life, which measures how long it takes for half the drug to be eliminated from the body, is not formally established in the regulatory labeling for humans. This is due to the active ingredient's minimal systemic absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.


Q: What should I do if a minor side effect of Pintal bothers me?

For minor side effects, official patient guidance directs individuals to report any persistent, worsening, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare provider for evaluation.

How should Pintal be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

The storage of Pintal (pyrantel pamoate) must adhere to official regulatory conditions to maintain stability and safety. The product must be kept at controlled room temperature, typically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).

Mandatory Storage Rules:

  • Do not freeze the medicine.
  • Must be protected from light and kept away from excess moisture.
  • Always store in the original container, tightly closed.
  • Keep the product out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Disposal Instructions:

For disposal of any unused or expired medication, the primary method is to use an authorized drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine must be mixed with an unappealing substance (e.g., dirt) and placed in a sealed container before being discarded in the household trash. The medication should not be flushed down the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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Equivalent of Pintal found in:

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