The treatment for pinworm involves the use of prescription drugs and drugs that can be obtained over-the-counter. The following article provides information on drugs that are prescribed for treating pinworm.
Pinworm is a type of parasite that can thrive in the human digestive system. This parasitic infection begins by swallowing of the parasite’s eggs, which may be caused by contaminated food, drinks, and hands. The eggs move in the digestive tract, and hatch inside the intestines. The female worm lays eggs in the skin around the anus of the infected person, usually during sleep hours. This often causes severe anal itching and scratching. The eggs can also latch on to the fingers, and spread to things or surfaces that the person touches. Pinworm medications only kill the worms, and not the eggs. Therefore, precautionary measures must be followed to prevent reinfection that can be caused by swallowing of eggs. The treatment usually involves the use of oral drugs for eliminating the parasites. Though complications are rare, drugs might also be prescribed to lower the risk of bacterial infection due to scratching over the affected skin.
Treatment
Over-the-counter Medications
The infection could be treated with OTC medicines, and the one that is recommended is known as Pyrantel pamoate (brand name Pin-X). This drug is prescribed, depending upon an individual’s body weight. It is important to know that, this is the only OTC drug that is recommended for treating this intestinal infection. It may come in the form of a liquid or chewable pill. Although it is effective in killing adult worms, it does not have any effect on the eggs. Also, recurrence is a common issue that may crop up with its usage. That is why, a second dose is usually recommended.
Side effects of the medicine may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Skin rash
- Cramps in the abdominal region
Prescription Medications
Mebendazole is often prescribed for treating this parasitic infection. It comes in a chewable pill form. Typically, it is administered twice, with a gap of two weeks between the dosages. The second shot is administered to kill the worms that might have hatched after the first treatment. This anti-parasitic drug not only kills adult worms, but immature ones as well. However, the eggs somehow remain resistant to its effects.
Side effects in this case may include:
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the abdominal region
Albendazole (Albenza) is another drug that is available in tablet form. An important fact to know about this drug is that it is not usually the first choice of treatment. It is used for people who do not respond to other anti-parasitic drugs. In most cases, this drug helps cure the infection completely. Side effects that may occur may include fatigue, pain in abdomen, itching, and fever. Another severe side effect may be hair fall, which stops once the medication is over.
Expecting mothers are strictly advised to consult a doctor or a pharmacist before going for these medicines. This also applies for people suffering from liver disease or any other chronic illness.
If you observe that the OTC medication is not working to treat the pinworm infection, then do not further engage in self-medication. Visit a doctor and take the prescribed medicine in the recommended dosage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
