A tapeworm refers to a type of parasitic worm that can attach to the intestines and wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system. There are four types of tapeworm: the pork, beef, dwarf and fish tapeworms. These worms can be ingested through contaminated food or water. Once ingested, such symptoms as nausea, weakness, diarrhea, stomach pain, a fever or seizures can result. Fortunately, prescription medications can manage tapeworms.
Praziquantel
Praziquantel belongs to a category of drugs called anthelmintic drugs that work to destroy the worms in the body, says MedlinePlus. Specifically, it can also be used to treat the worms that infect the blood and the liver.
Praziquantel's common effects include a headache, dizziness, nausea, a fever, stomach pain and feeling ill. These symptoms should not last for greater than seven days. Inform a physician when praziquantel causes these effects to last for longer than seven days. Hives is a serious side effect that can occur with praziquantel use. Call a physician when this develops.
Praziquantel is a tablet that is only taken for one day. However, three doses will be taken during that day, four to six hours apart.
Nitazoxanide
Nitazoxanide is an antiprotozoal medication that can also treat tapeworm. Nitazoxanide's common side effects include headache, stomach pain, vomiting and discolored urine, says MedlinePlus. Tell a physician when these effects last for more than five days. Nitazoxanide's serious effects include itching and a skin rash. Call a doctor when these serious side effects occur.
Nitazoxanide is taken as a liquid or tablet. Typically, this drug is taken every twelve hours for three days.
Albendazole
Albendazole, like praziquantel, is an anthehelmintic medication that prevents the worms for growing and increasing in quantity. Albendazole's common effects include stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, dizziness and headache, according to Drugs.com. Hair loss (alopecia) and a headache are albendazole's additional common side effects. A fever, easy bruising or bleeding, blistering or redness of the skin, body aches and flu-like symptoms are albendazole's serious side effects. Tell a physician when albendazole causes these effects.
Albendazole is a tablet given in three cycles. For example, this drug may be taken daily for four weeks. Then, there is a period of two weeks in which the affected person doesn't take albendazole. After two weeks, he takes albendazole again for another four weeks.
