What adverse effect should a nurse inform a patient prescribed pyrantel to expect?

Pyrantel is an anthelmintic agent primarily used to treat infections caused by certain types of worms, such as roundworms and hookworms. One of the known adverse effects of pyrantel is abdominal discomfort or pain. This can occur due to the medication's action of paralyzing the parasites, which then leads to their expulsion from the gastrointestinal tract. As the worms are expelled, patients may experience cramping or discomfort in their abdomen as a result of this process.

While other adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, headaches, and fatigue have been documented, they are not as commonly associated with pyrantel compared to abdominal discomfort. Therefore, informing the patient about the possibility of experiencing abdominal discomfort or pain prepares them for what to expect and can help in managing any discomfort they might have during the treatment.