Pinworms and threadworms
Clinical basis & sources
- Primary source
- OCP Minor Ailments Prescribing
Sources used
- Ontario Regulation 256/24: GeneralGovernment of Ontario · 2026
- Minor Ailments: Drug Classes and Specified DrugsOntario College of Pharmacists · 2026
- Executive Officer Notice: Update to Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies (Effective July 1, 2026)Government of Ontario · 2026-05-19
- Enterobius (Pinworm) - MicroscopyPublic Health Ontario · 2026-05
- Clinical Overview of Pinworm InfectionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention · 2024
- Preventing Pinworm InfectionCenters for Disease Control and Prevention · 2026-05
- Pharmacist Assessment - Pinworm InfectionmedSask, University of Saskatchewan · 2023-06
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Allowable drugs under Schedule 4 (2)
Drugs an Ontario pharmacist may prescribe for Pinworms and threadworms under O. Reg. 256/24, Schedule 4. Choice still depends on the assessment, contraindications, allergies, and product availability — this is the eligible list, not a recommendation.
- Mebendazole
- Pyrantel pamoate
Symptoms this assessment screens
- Nocturnal perianal itching or pruritus ani
- Small white thread-like worms seen or close household/daycare exposure reported
- Tape test or paddle test positive or appropriate if confirmation is needed
- Age and weight are suitable for selected therapy and exact dose can be calculated
- Household/caregiver treatment and hygiene plan can be implemented
Red flags — any positive means refer
- Age under 2 years, pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunocompromise, complex medical illness, or medication safety uncertainty
- Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, weight loss, blood in stool, marked diarrhea, or significant systemic illness
- Worms look unlike small white threadworms, tapeworm segments suspected, recent travel/exposure suggests another parasite, or diagnosis is uncertain
- Perianal skin infection, cellulitis, severe excoriation, vaginal itching/discharge, urinary symptoms, or pelvic pain
- Persistent or recurrent symptoms after two correctly timed doses plus household hygiene measures
- School, daycare, long-term care, or other institutional outbreak concern
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