Intestinal worms treatment: what works and what to do now

Worried you or your kid might have intestinal worms? You’re not alone. These infections are common and usually treatable. This page explains how to tell if you have worms, the main medicines doctors use, safe home steps while you wait for care, and how to stop them from coming back.

Spotting the problem

Look for stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, weight loss, itchy anus especially at night, and tiredness. Kids may lose appetite or have trouble sleeping. Not everyone shows clear signs. If someone in your house has symptoms, others can be infected too. The fastest way to know is a stool test ordered by a clinic.

Medical treatments that work

Most intestinal worms respond to prescription dewormers. Albendazole and mebendazole are common for roundworms, pinworms, and whipworms. Praziquantel treats tapeworms and flukes. Ivermectin works for certain parasites and scabies in some places. Doctors pick the drug based on the worm type and patient age or pregnancy status.

Typical dosing is short: often one dose or a few days of pills. For pinworms, a single dose repeated after two weeks is common to kill newly hatched larvae. Always follow the exact dose your healthcare provider gives. Don’t guess—wrong dosing can leave a live infection.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, very young, or have liver disease, tell your provider. Some drugs aren’t safe in these cases and your doctor may choose an alternative or delay treatment until safer.

Over-the-counter herbal cures and supplements promise a lot but lack consistent proof. They might help mildly, but don’t rely on them for a full cure. Use them as a complement only after checking with a doctor.

Basic home steps while you wait for treatment help reduce spread. Wash hands after the bathroom and before eating. Wash bedding and towels on hot cycle. Keep fingernails short and discourage nail-biting. Clean bathroom surfaces and toys frequently, especially in households with kids.

Testing anyone with symptoms and treating household contacts when advised prevents reinfection. Follow up testing is sometimes recommended for tapeworms or heavy infections to confirm the parasite is gone.

Prevention matters: drink clean water, cook meat to safe temperatures, wash produce, and avoid walking barefoot in areas with poor sanitation. Vaccines don’t exist for most intestinal worms, so hygiene and food safety are your best defense.

If symptoms are severe—high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody stool, or signs of dehydration—seek urgent care. For mild or routine concerns, a primary care provider or local clinic can usually manage testing and treatment.

Questions about a specific medication or dosing? Ask your provider or pharmacist with details like age, weight, pregnancy status, and other meds you take. They’ll guide the safest option for your situation.

If you prefer natural prevention, focus on practical steps: boil or filter water when traveling, freeze or cook fish properly to avoid tapeworm eggs, and use gloves when gardening. Always check with your doctor before trying new supplements or home remedies for safety reasons.