The remedies for worms are indicated when it is confirmed that the patient is contaminated by the parasites.
Although many people still think that these drugs should be taken annually, the Ministry of Health’s guidance is that only people exposed to risk factors (such as living in environments without basic sanitation) should be medicated with this frequency.
In other cases, without conditions that expose the person to constant risks, only good hygiene is sufficient.
Washing hands, properly sanitizing food and cooking meats well are measures that avoid health costs and reduce the need to use remedies for worms.
However, when the diagnosis is made, there is no way. You have to go to the pharmacy to get the problem over with.
There are many types of parasites that can infect humans. Sometimes they cause symptoms, such as diarrhea , vomiting, nausea, gas and even anemia . But, in other conditions, the condition may be asymptomatic.
The most common are tapeworms, roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), oxyuruses, schistosomes and giardia.
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Child or adult remedy for worm: prices
The best medication will depend on the type of worm found in the exams. Some drugs act on several parasites, with a wide indication.
Only the doctor will be able to prescribe correctly. Below you will find some of the most used, their trade names and the price range *:
* Prices were consulted at Consulta Remédios in August 2019. Prices may change.
Metronidazole
The Metronidazole tablets are marketed in dosages of 250 mg, with indication for treating trichomoniasis , vaginitis, giardiasis , amoebiasis and infections caused by certain bacteria.
The drug is an anti-infectious with antimicrobial action. The guideline is that your ingestion should be done without chewing, swallowing the tablets whole with water after meals.
The time of use depends on the type of parasite, which may be a single dose or treatment of up to 7 days.
After ingestion, it is rapidly absorbed and there is no interference if food is ingested.
Women are contraindicated to use, in addition to people with sensitivity to metronidazole or imidazole derivatives, in addition to sensitivity to other components of the drug, such as excipients.
According to the package insert, pregnant women need a careful evaluation for use, as soon as the drug is able to cross the placenta barrier. Other conditions that deserve attention are hepatic encephalopathy and patients with diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating (angioedema), headaches, dizziness and confusion, as well as changes in taste.
Transient visual disturbances can also occur, such as blurred vision, as well as skin disorders such as hives, rashes, itching and flushing. In some cases, a fever may develop .
Brand options include:
- Canderm : from R $ 23;
- Flagyl : from R $ 18;
- Helmizol : from R $ 17;
- Metronidazole : from R $ 17;
Secnidazole
The secnidazole is a parasiticide drug indicated for the treatment of giardiasis, intestinal amebiasis, amoebic liver and trichomoniasis. The medicine is sold in 1000mg tablets, in packs of 2 or 4 units.
It can be used by all age groups, but pregnant women who are in the 1st trimester should not use it without medical advice. In addition, people who are allergic to the components of the formula, women with suspected pregnancy or who are breastfeeding should also not take it.
Fever, hives, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain can occur as an adverse reaction to the medication.
The time of use should be guided by the doctor, according to the type of worm, ranging from a single dose to the use of up to 7 days.
Among the options sold then:
- Deprozol : from R $ 58;
- Decnasol : from R $ 9;
- Secdazol : from R $ 4;
- Unigyn : from R $ 13.
Read more: Secnidazole: how long to take effect?
Nitazoxanida
The Nitazoxanide is a drug which acts against parasites, such as protozoa and worms. Indications include combating gastroenteritis, helminthiasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiasis and blastocystosis.
After administration, the drug acts between 2 and 4 hours.
People with diabetes , liver or kidney disease, children under 12 and those who are sensitive to the components of the formula should use the medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use the medicine with medical advice.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and headache can manifest as an adverse reaction to the medication. Allergic reactions, changes in appetite, fever and changes in urine color may occur, although they are uncommon.
The tablet should be taken with food, so that its absorption is optimized. The time of use must be guided by the doctor, and can be maintained between 3 and 14 days.
Among the options available in tablets are:
- Annita : from R $ 52;
- Azox : from R $ 40;
- Irosê : from 22;
- Tanisea : from R $ 62.
Ivermectina
The active substance Ivermectin is antiparasitic and acts against several types of parasites, eliminating worms from the body. Among the conditions that can be combated are intestinal strongyloidiasis, filariasis, ascariasis, scabies and pediculosis.
The drug is contraindicated for people with sensitivity to the components of the formula, who have meningitis or other conditions that affect the central nervous system.
In addition, children under 5 years old or below 15mg should also not use. For breastfeeding women, use should be made only with medical advice, as the substance is excreted in breast milk.
The adverse reactions that the drug can cause are uncommon and tend to pass quickly. But diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness , drowsiness, as well as itching and hives can occur .
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and the dosage should be guided by professionals, as well as the time of treatment.
Among the options are:
- Iverneo : from R $ 8;
- Leverctin : from R $ 6;
- Revectin : starting at $ 18.
Albendazole
Albendazole is a substance that fights infections by worms and parasites, acting in the elimination of several agents.
The drug is contraindicated to people who are sensitive or allergic to the components of the formula and to pregnant women or those who are suspected of pregnancy.
Women who are breastfeeding should only use the medication under medical advice. The tablets should be taken with water in a single dose, which can reach 5 days, according to medical advice. It is also possible to find the liquid version (oral suspension).
Adverse reactions are uncommon, but abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness can occur. Skin reactions, such as hives, rarely occur.
Among the brands marketed are:
- Zentel : from R $ 11;
- Albel : from R $ 2;
- Benzol : from R $ 2.
Mebendazol
Mebendazole is a medication that fights worms and parasites, and can be used to treat Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Taenia solium and Taenia saginata.
It acts on the human intestine, making the worms unable to survive. Its action starts on the first day of treatment.
The drug is contraindicated for children under 1 year or patients with sensitivity to the substances in the formula.
Although rare, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain and skin rashes can occur.
The use of the drug depends on medical guidelines, whether in tablet (single dose) or oral suspension (can be used for more days).
Among the options available are:
- Helmilab : from R $ 3;
- Pantelmin : from R $ 11;
- Mentelmin : from R $ 4.
Home worm remedy
There are several homemade recipes that suggest helping to combat worms. However, if the infection is diagnosed, only drugs prescribed by healthcare professionals can effectively combat worms and parasites .
Recipes such as rue teas, peppermint milk, garlic tea or mugwort can be good options to enrich your diet and even help with digestion, but alone they do not fight infection.
Read more: Garlic tea: how to make it?
However, there are really effective ways to protect yourself from worms, which is through good hygiene habits.
Washing your hands well, storing food correctly (avoiding leaving it exposed to dirt), taking care of areas without basic sanitation and avoiding putting objects in your mouth are simple measures that guarantee protection and reduce possible infections.
Worm remedy for dog and cat
Pets can also be affected by worms. In fact, it is a very common condition, but it is easily prevented with the administration of vermifuge medicines.
In general, they are indicated after the 2nd week of life, but it is always important to take the pet to the veterinarian so that the correct medicine is prescribed.
Some medications can be used on dogs and cats, such as Vermivet puppies , but some are intended for each species. Among the options for dogs are:
- Top Dog;
- Milbemax C;
- Canex.
For cats, among the options are:
- Milbemax Gatos;
- Vermivet Cats .
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Contrary to what some people think, remedies for worms, in general, should only be administered when there is a confirmed diagnosis – except in cases of frequent contact with regions without basic sanitation.
For more tips on medicines and treatment, follow the Healthy Minute.
