A tapeworm is a parasitic organism that adheres to the lining of the intestines and lives off the host. Eating food or water with tapeworm eggs causes a tapeworm infestation. The tapeworm can live inside a body for up to 20 years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of a tapeworm infection in the intestines include pain in the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. Diagnosis occurs after microscopic inspection of stool reveals the eggs and segments of the tapeworm. Without proper treatment, a tapeworm can migrate out of the intestines and infect other organs or tissue---referred to as an invasive infection.
Medication
A single dose of antiparasitic medication, such as praziquantel, albendazole, and an anthelmintic medication called nitazoxanide help kill the adult tapeworm, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, different varieties of tapeworms respond to different medications. The eggs and larvae remain inside the host until complete excretion from the body naturally. Using strict hygiene and washing hands after using the bathroom, before interaction with other people and before eating helps decrease the chance of another infection and prevents passing the eggs to other people. Medications such as corticosteroids help relieve the inflammatory symptoms associated with the infection, according to the Merck Manual of Health Information.
Stool Evaluation
The stool needs a microscopic examination for one to three months after taking the medication. The eggs and larvae may continue to stay in the body after the adult tapeworm dies. Checking the stool helps to make sure all evidence of the tapeworm gone from the body. If evidence of tapeworms still exists, the infection may require further drug treatment.
Invasive Infection Remedy
Once the tapeworm leaves the intestine, the infection and complications associated with the tapeworm worsen. Once the tapeworm enters into other places in the body, additional medications help to kill the tapeworm. Albendazole shrinks cysts from the tapeworm in tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic. A common location for tapeworms to migrate is the brain. Once in the brain, they can cause seizures and an increased amount of fluid in the brain. Medications help stop the seizures and a shunt placed in the brain helps to filter the excess fluid. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, help decrease the swelling caused to other organs and tissues from the tapeworm cysts.
