Intestinal worms are parasites that can infect the stomach, intestines and other organs of the digestive system. The worms usually are ingested in their larval or egg stage and then begin to grow and reproduce in the intestinal tract. Contaminated food and drinks can be vehicles for an intestinal worm infection. Intestinal worms include roundworms, hookworms, pinworms and whipworms. There are medications that can treat this type of parasitic infection.
Mebendazole
Mebendazole is commonly used to treat intestinal worm infections. Specifically, the drug can treat roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and pinworm infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. The drug can also be used to treat patients who have multiple intestinal worm infections. Mebendazole prevents the worm from absorbing sugar, which the parasite uses for energy. Without this energy source, the worm is unable to function and eventually dies. Mebendazole is available in a suspension, pill and chewable-tablet form. Side effects can include fever, itchy rash, sore throat, fatigue and fever.
Pyrantel
Pyrantel is commonly used to treat roundworms, pinworms and hookworms, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. For most intestinal worm infections, a single dose, in pill or liquid form, can cure the infection. For a pinworm infection, a second dose is taken after two weeks. For a hookworm infection, the patient takes one pill for three days. The most common side effects are upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and loss of appetite.
Albendazole
Albendazole is used for the treatment of pork and dog tapeworms, according to Drugs.com. The drug is particularly effective in treating intestinal worm infections that have damaged the nervous system. This drug should be taken with food in order to increase absorption and reduce the chance of side effects. It is very effective in treating the parasitic infection, but it can also have numerous side effects. A rash, fever, sore throat and fatigue indicate the patient is having a severe reaction and needs medical assistance. Less serious side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and dizziness.
