Anthelmintic medicines (deworming): what they do and how to use them safely

Worried about a worm infection? Anthelmintics are the drugs doctors use to clear worms from the gut, blood, or tissues. This page gives clear, practical info on the common medicines, how infections are diagnosed, and simple safety steps so you don’t end up taking the wrong drug or dose.

Common anthelmintic drugs and what they treat

Different medicines target different parasites. Here are the ones you’ll see most often:

Albendazole and mebendazole: Often used for roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. They’re broad‑spectrum and commonly prescribed for community deworming programs.

Pyrantel: A quick option for pinworms (enterobiasis). It’s usually given as a short course and sometimes repeated to catch newly hatched worms.

Ivermectin: Works well for several nematodes and some skin parasites. It’s widely used for mass‑treatment campaigns and certain stubborn infections that don’t respond to others.

Praziquantel: The go‑to for tapeworms and flukes (schistosomiasis). It’s effective against parasites with complex life cycles.

Practical safety tips

Before taking any anthelmintic, get a proper diagnosis. A stool test, blood test, or imaging may be needed to know which parasite you have. Treating the wrong infection can be ineffective or risky.

Talk to a healthcare provider about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children. Some drugs aren’t recommended in early pregnancy or for very young kids. Also tell your doctor about other medicines you take—some interactions matter.

Side effects are usually mild: nausea, stomach pain, dizziness or headache. If you get high fever, rash, severe belly pain, or neurological symptoms after a dose, contact medical care right away.

Resistance can happen. If symptoms don’t improve, follow up with testing rather than repeating drugs blindly. Sometimes a second dose or a different medicine is needed.

Buying meds online? Use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription, show contact details, and accept secure payment. Our site reviews several online pharmacies and buying guides—check those before you buy. Avoid sites with extremely low prices, no physical address, or no pharmacist contact.

After treatment, follow your provider’s advice for repeat testing. Many infections need a follow‑up stool check or symptom review weeks later to confirm the parasite is gone. Also check and treat close contacts if needed—household reinfection is common with pinworms.

If you’re unsure which medicine fits your infection, or you have health conditions, see a clinician. Anthelmintic drugs are powerful and useful when used right—so get the right drug for the right bug, and don’t skip testing or follow‑up.