What is the best medication for treating pinworms?

Medications that contain pyrantel pamoate are considered to be effective for treating pinworms. These medications are in a class of drugs known as anthelmintics. Anthelmintics paralyze worms so that they can be removed naturally in the stool.

How long does pinworm medicine, like Reese's, stay in your system?

Medicines like Reese’s contain pyrantel pamoate. This chemical usually stops affecting your system after 24 hours of use.

How long does it take for pinworm medication to kick in/start working?

Medications that contain pyrantel pamoate should begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours. It will take several more hours for any parasites that have been paralyzed to be evacuated in a bowel movement.

Can you take pinworm medication pre-emptively/just in case?

Taking pinworm medication pre-emptively is not recommended. The medicine begins acting very quickly, and you need to wait between safe doses. If you take it pre-emptively, you may not be able to take your medicine safely when worms appear.