Medication for Tapeworms in Humans
A tapeworm infection is the result of ingesting contaminated meat or water containing the eggs or larvae of tapeworms. Most people who become infected with tapeworms may not experience symptoms. The first indication of even having a tapeworm is the passing of the adult worm segments in your stool. If tapeworms exist only within your intestines, medications can help eradicate an infection.
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About Tapeworms
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If you develop a tapeworm infection, the infection is the result of one of two Taeniae, the T. solium or T. saginata. T. solium is the result of eating infected pork, while T. saginata is the result of eating infected beef. When you eat food that is contaminated with Taeniae eggs, the eggs develop into larvae. With T. solium, the larvae can migrate to your organs, causing severe damage. T. saginata will develop within your intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, an adult tapeworm can live for 20 years within your intestine, and grow to be nearly 50 feet in length.
Symptoms
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If you do develop symptoms from a tapeworm, you may notice nausea and weakness. Since the tapeworm is feeding off of you, you may lose your appetite and some weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, you will be unable to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Other symptoms can include pain in your abdomen and diarrhea. If you develop an infestation that becomes severe, you can develop fever, bacterial infections, a reaction to the larvae and seizures if the larvae migrate to your brain.
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Medications
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Medications kill tapeworms found within the intestines. According to the Centers for Disease Control, praziquantel is preferred for the treatment of tapeworms. Another treatment is albendazole. These medications are toxic to the tapeworm and, once ingested, attack and dissolve the adult tapeworms. The medications generally do not cause any side effects for the person.
Medication Considerations
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Medication treatments work only on adult tapeworms. Eggs are unaffected by medication, and it is possible to get re-infected since the eggs are passed in your stools. It is imperative to wash your hands after using the restroom to prevent reinfection. If you don't wash your hands and then touch your mouth at some point after using the restroom, it is possible to re-ingest the eggs. According to the Mayo Clinic, stool samples will be taken at the first and third month after treatment to make sure you are clear of the infection. If you follow treatment according to your physician's directions and wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, elimination of the tapeworm infestation should be successful.
Other Treatments
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When a tapeworm infection has migrated to your tissues, a physician will prescribe an anti-inflammatory steroid to help reduce swelling. If cysts have developed within your liver, lungs or other major organ due to a tapeworm infestation, it is necessary to remove and replace the damaged organ.
Complications
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According to the Mayo Clinic, a pork tapeworm infection can be more serious than a beef tapeworm infection. If a pork tapeworm larvae is ingested, this can result in a condition known as cysticercosis, where larvae develop cysts within your organs. Neurocysticercosis is another complication of the pork tapeworm, which can result in seizures, headaches, dementia, other serious disorders and even death. And, echinococcosis can cause blood vessels to rupture or result in organ damage.
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References
Resources
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