Tapeworms are treated with oral medications, usually in a single dose. The drug of choice for tapeworm infections is niclosamide. Praziquantel and albendazole can also be used.
Expectations (prognosis):
Complete eradication of the tapeworm occurs following treatment.
Complications:
self-infection with tapeworm eggs -- cysticercosis (T. solium only), which may cause seizures
rarely, worms may cause obstruction of the intestine
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you pass something in your stool that looks like a white worm.
Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Health Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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