Treatment of Roundworm

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Roundworms can be treated with a combination of drugs and hygiene measures. Treatments with medicines usually work well. They kill or paralyse the worms, which are then passed out of the body with the stools.

Mebendazole is a worm-killing drug that is usually the first choice of drug treatment for adults and children older than 2 years. It is taken as a tablet or a drink, for three days, is the normal treatment. Side effects are minimal, but in people with heavy infestations it can cause abdominal pain or diarrhoea while it removes the worms. This medication is available on prescription.

Piperazine paralyses the worms and is recommended if intestinal or biliary obstruction is suspected. It is often given in conjunction with senna, which is a laxative. It has some common side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea, but is safe for use in children from 3 months onwards. It is not however suitable for those with epilepsy, decreased kidney function, liver disease, or women who are pregnant or breast- feeding. Piperazine is available on prescription.

A person can be reinfected after drug treatment if they swallow more worm eggs, so it is important to maintain high levels of hygiene (see Prevention).

Your GP can advise if you are pregnant or breast feeding or your baby is under three months old.

Drug treatments for roundworm are not recommended in pregnancy, but the infection cannot spread to an unborn baby. Pregnant women should take hygiene measures and receive drug treatment after giving birth, unless complications occur.

There are other medicines that are licensed outside the UK, where roundworms are more common.