From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for intestinal worms is a single dose of albendazole 400 mg or mebendazole 500 mg, as recommended by the most recent guidelines. The treatment for intestinal worms typically involves oral antiparasitic medications that target the specific type of worm causing the infection. For common roundworms (ascariasis), pinworms, hookworms, and whipworms, medications like albendazole (400mg as a single dose for adults) or mebendazole (500 mg as a single dose) are highly effective 1.
Key Considerations
- The choice of medication depends on the type of worm and the severity of the infection.
- For whipworm infections, a combination of mebendazole and ivermectin may be necessary to improve cure rates 1.
- In addition to medication, maintaining good hygiene is essential - washing hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom, properly washing fruits and vegetables, and avoiding undercooked meats.
- For some infections, treating all household members simultaneously may be necessary to prevent reinfection, particularly with highly contagious worms like pinworms.
Treatment Options
- Albendazole 400 mg as a single dose
- Mebendazole 500 mg as a single dose
- Ivermectin 200 μg/kg as a single dose (for certain types of infections)
- Combination therapy with mebendazole and ivermectin for heavy whipworm infections 1
Important Notes
- Follow-up stool examinations may be needed to confirm that the infection has been completely cleared.
- The most recent guidelines should always be consulted for the latest recommendations on treatment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Mebendazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (common roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale (common hookworm), Necator americanus (American hookworm) in single or mixed infections. The treatment for intestinal worms is mebendazole (PO), which is effective against various types of worms, including:
- Pinworm (enterobiasis): 95% cure rate
- Whipworm (trichuriasis): 68% cure rate
- Common Roundworm (ascariasis): 98% cure rate
- Hookworm: 96% cure rate 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Intestinal Worms
The treatment for intestinal worms typically involves the use of anthelmintic medications. Some of the commonly used medications include:
- Albendazole: This medication is effective against a wide range of intestinal worms, including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms 3, 4.
- Mebendazole: This medication is also effective against a wide range of intestinal worms, including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms 4, 5.
- Nitazoxanide: This medication is effective against certain types of tapeworms, including beef tapeworm 6.
- Praziquantel: This medication is effective against certain types of tapeworms, including Taenia spp. and Echinococcus 7.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration of these medications may vary depending on the specific type of worm infection and the individual patient. For example:
- Albendazole: The recommended dose for hookworm infection is 400 mg, which can be increased to 800 mg for better efficacy 3.
- Mebendazole: The recommended dose for intestinal worm infection is 100 mg twice daily for three days 5.
- Nitazoxanide: The recommended dose for beef tapeworm infection is 500 mg twice daily for three days 6.
- Praziquantel: The recommended dose for Taenia spp. infection is typically 5-10 mg/kg body weight, given as a single dose or divided into two or three doses 7.
Safety and Efficacy
These medications are generally safe and effective when used as directed. However, they can cause side effects, such as:
- Albendazole: Side effects may include liver toxicity, especially when used for prolonged periods or at high doses 4.
- Mebendazole: Side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 5.
- Nitazoxanide: Side effects may include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and abdominal pain 6.
- Praziquantel: Side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as headache and dizziness 7.