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Suggest Treatment For Intestinal Tapeworm Infection

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Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2015
Question: I have tapeworms, how can I kill them? Please advise
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Anthelmintics, repeat the dose after a few weeks, Preventive measures

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Tapeworms most of the time don't need treatment if no symptoms and they leave the body on their own. With stool RE negative makes them dormant and free of larvae, eggs and proglottids.

Mebendazole, albendazole, praziquantel and nitazoxanide are some of the options of deworming a patient. Right now all you need is complete the anthelmintic dose you have been prescribed with. Then have a follow up and repeat stool examination. Your doctor may repeat the dose after a few weeks for complete eradication.

meanwhile preventive measures for reinfection are advised as these medications dont kill eggs only adult tapeworms. Preventive measures are important in complete eradication .

> Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.
>When traveling in areas where tapeworm is more common, wash and cook all fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating.
>Eliminate livestock exposure to tapeworm eggs by properly disposing of animal and human feces.
>Thoroughly cook meat at temperatures of at least 125 F (52 C) to kill tapeworm eggs or larvae.
>Freeze meat for at least 12 hours and fish for at least 24 hours to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae.
>Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork, beef and fish.
>Promptly treat dogs infected with tapeworm.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Intestinal Tapeworm Infection

Brief Answer: Anthelmintics, repeat the dose after a few weeks, Preventive measures Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Tapeworms most of the time don't need treatment if no symptoms and they leave the body on their own. With stool RE negative makes them dormant and free of larvae, eggs and proglottids. Mebendazole, albendazole, praziquantel and nitazoxanide are some of the options of deworming a patient. Right now all you need is complete the anthelmintic dose you have been prescribed with. Then have a follow up and repeat stool examination. Your doctor may repeat the dose after a few weeks for complete eradication. meanwhile preventive measures for reinfection are advised as these medications dont kill eggs only adult tapeworms. Preventive measures are important in complete eradication . > Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet. >When traveling in areas where tapeworm is more common, wash and cook all fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating. >Eliminate livestock exposure to tapeworm eggs by properly disposing of animal and human feces. >Thoroughly cook meat at temperatures of at least 125 F (52 C) to kill tapeworm eggs or larvae. >Freeze meat for at least 12 hours and fish for at least 24 hours to kill tapeworm eggs and larvae. >Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork, beef and fish. >Promptly treat dogs infected with tapeworm. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan