From the Guidelines
Tapeworm infections should be treated with a single dose of niclosamide 2 g PO for T. solium, or praziquantel 10 mg/kg PO as a single dose for T. saginata, as these treatments have been shown to be effective in clearing the intestinal infection. When the causative Taenia species is uncertain, a single dose of niclosamide 2 g PO is recommended 1. It is essential to note that praziquantel should not be used for T. solium unless concomitant neurocysticercosis has been excluded, as it may exacerbate the condition 1.
Key Considerations
- The treatment of choice for T. solium is niclosamide 2 g PO as a single dose, which only kills adult worms 1.
- For T. saginata, praziquantel 10 mg/kg PO as a single dose is the recommended treatment, with niclosamide 2 g PO as an alternative 1.
- Proper hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and before handling food, should accompany treatment to prevent the spread of infection.
- Follow-up stool examinations are crucial to confirm the infection has cleared, typically 1-3 months after treatment.
Treatment Options
- Niclosamide: 2 g PO as a single dose for adults, effective against T. solium and T. saginata 1.
- Praziquantel: 10 mg/kg PO as a single dose, effective against T. saginata, but should be used with caution in T. solium infections unless neurocysticercosis has been excluded 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1.1 Neurocysticercosis Albendazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. 1.2 Hydatid Disease Albendazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.
Albendazole is used for the treatment of tapeworm infections, specifically:
- Neurocysticercosis caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium)
- Hydatid disease caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) The dosage and treatment duration may vary depending on the specific indication and patient weight 2.
From the Research
Tape Worm Treatment Options
- Praziquantel is a highly effective drug against a broad range of trematodes and cestodes, including tapeworms, as stated in 3.
- It is relatively nontoxic, well accepted by patients, and can be given orally in one dose or several doses in a single day, according to 3.
- Niclosamide and praziquantel have proved effective for the treatment of beef tapeworm infection, but treatment failures are well known, as mentioned in 4.
- Nitazoxanide is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and well-tolerated drug for the treatment of niclosamide- and praziquantel-resistant beef tapeworm infection, as reported in 4.
Efficacy of Praziquantel
- Praziquantel injectable solution was found to be 100% effective against both dog and cat tapeworms, with no adverse reactions observed, as stated in 5.
- Single-dose treatment with praziquantel is effective against Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense infection, as indicated in 6.
- Praziquantel is also effective against other types of tapeworms, including Taenia solium, which causes cysticercosis, as mentioned in 3.
Other Treatment Options
- Pyrantel pamoate is effective for the treatment of common roundworm intestinal infections, with the advantage of single-dose therapy, as discussed in 7.
- Mebendazole is used to treat trichuriasis, while diethylcarbamazine is used to treat filariases, as mentioned in 7.
- Niclosamide is effective against intestinal cestode infections, as stated in 7.