Pinworms in Kids? How to Treat the Whole Household Fast in Ontario

An itchy bottom at night, restless sleep, maybe a note home from daycare - pinworms are unpleasant, extremely common in young children, and spread easily through a household. In Ontario, pinworms and threadworms are a minor ailment a pharmacist can assess and prescribe for online.

What a pharmacist can treat

A pharmacist can assess the symptoms and, when appropriate, prescribe or recommend treatment (such as pyrantel or mebendazole) - usually for the whole household at once, since pinworms spread easily - plus the hygiene steps that stop reinfection.

When you'll be referred instead

The assessment screens for anything that needs a doctor: severe symptoms (abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, painful peeing, fever, or very poor appetite), pregnancy, liver disease, a rash or discharge around the anus, or itching that continues more than a week after treatment.

How to get assessed online in Ontario

1. Open the Pinworms & threadworms assessment - a short, secure questionnaire (about 5 minutes).
2. A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your answers.
3. If treatment is appropriate, they prescribe or recommend it and can send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

Cost

The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card, or a flat $30 without one. Any prescribed medication is billed at its usual price, which your drug plan may cover.

Common questions

Can a pharmacist treat pinworms in Ontario?

Yes - pinworms and threadworms are a minor ailment, so a licensed Ontario pharmacist can assess them online and prescribe or recommend treatment when appropriate.

Should the whole family be treated?

Often yes - pinworms spread easily at home, so treating the household together and following hygiene steps helps prevent reinfection. The pharmacist will advise.

Is it free?

The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card, or a flat $30 without one.

See what we treat and start a free assessment →

Pharmly is operated by Citrus Pharmacy, accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP #306740). A prescription is never guaranteed - a pharmacist prescribes only when it is clinically appropriate. Not for emergencies: call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department for urgent symptoms.