Roundworm
Roundworm infections can be successfully treated using one of a number of medicines.
The three main medicines are:
These are described below.
Mebendazoleis recommended for treating roundworm infections in adults and children over the age of one.
It works by stopping the roundworms using glucose (sugar). Without glucose, the cells of the roundworms lose their energy supply and quickly die.
A three-day course of mebendazole is usually recommended. This involves takingone tablet twice a day.
Stomach pain is the most common side effect of mebendazole. Less common side effects include:
Piperazine is recommended for babies aged 3-11 months. It's available as a powder that you dissolve in water. Most children only require a single dose.
Side effects of piperazine can include:
These side effects should pass quickly once the medicine works its way out of the body.
If your child is lessthan three months of age, delaying treatment until they reach three monthsmay be recommended.
Albendazole is commonly used in tropical countries, but is currently unlicensed for use in the UK.
This means the medicine's manufacturer hasn't applied for a license for albendazole to be used to treat roundworm in the UK. However, it's been extensively studied in countries where roundworm is common, and has been shown to be safe and effective.
While there's no firm evidence to suggest that any of the medications above can cause birth defects, they're not usually recommended during pregnancy.
Roundworms can occasionally cause troublesome symptoms, but they don't usually pose a threat to your unborn child.
Roundworms can infest the human digestive tract, specifically the small intestine. A roundworm infection is also sometimes known as ascariasis or acaris.
In most cases, a roundworm infection doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. Some people have a high temperature, dry cough and shortness of breath.
A roundworm infection begins when you swallow roundworm eggs. Eggs can be present in food or drink, or in the soil in which food has grown.
Roundworm infections can be successfully treated using one of a number of medicines.
As well as treating roundworm infections with medication, the infection can be controlled by improving sanitation and health education.