Not only children who can get worm infections, adults can also suffer from intestinal worms if they are not diligent in washing their hands and often eating carelessly. To treat it, there are several choices of deworming drugs for adults that can be consumed.
Worm infection is one type of infectious disease that still occurs in Indonesia. This disease can easily occur if someone does not keep the environment clean (sanitation) or does not get used to living clean and healthy.
There are several habits that can cause intestinal worms to easily infect the body, for example, rarely or lazy to wash hands, not washing vegetables and fruit thoroughly before consuming them, or eating undercooked food.
When entering a person's body, parasitic worms can cause various health problems, ranging from nutritional deficiencies, anemia or anemia, to blockages in the intestines or respiratory tract.
Deworming List for Adults
Worm infections may not cause symptoms. However, usually, people affected by intestinal worms will experience symptoms in the form of:
- Itching in the anus.
- Stomach pain.
- Weight loss.
- Decreased appetite.
- Body tired and lethargic.
Digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal bleeding, and bloody stools.
Worms can be treated by taking deworming medication. Deworming drugs are divided into several types with content adapted to treat infections from different types of worms.
Several types of deworming drugs for adults that can be used to prevent and treat intestinal worms are:
1. Mebendazole
Mebendazole is used to treat roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infections. This deworming medicine is available in tablet and liquid form. Although this drug can kill adult worms, mebendazole cannot eradicate worm eggs.
Mebendazole deworming can be obtained through a doctor's prescription. When consuming it, make sure you follow the instructions for use recommended by your doctor.
In addition, this worm medicine is also not recommended for consumption by pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 2 years of age.
2. Albendazole
Albendazole is used to treat intestinal worms caused by tapeworms. This drug is available in the form of chewable tablets or oral tablets and can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription.
Albendazole anthelmintic works by inhibiting the metabolism of the worms, so that the worms cannot get energy. In order to be well absorbed by the body, albendazole is recommended to be consumed with foods that contain fat.
3. Pamoat pyrantel
Pyrantel pamoate anthelmintic is used to treat roundworm and pinworm infections. This drug can be purchased over the counter without a doctor's prescription. When using it, make sure you read the instructions for use and the dosage as stated on the product packaging.
Although this drug can be purchased over the counter, pyrantel is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, children under 2 years of age, or people with impaired liver function, unless directed by a doctor.
4. Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an anthelmintic used to treat roundworm infections. This drug is available in tablet form and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. In order to work properly, you are advised to take ivermectin on an empty stomach or before eating.
5. Praziquantel
Praziquantel is used to treat worm infections that live in the bloodstream, digestive tract, or liver. Praziquantel is available in tablet form and should only be taken as directed and prescribed by a doctor.
In general, deworming for adults can also be given to children. However, pay attention to the age limit for giving. Deworming medicine for certain types of children should not be given if the child is less than 2 years old.
In addition to taking worm medicine for adults, prevention of worms also needs to be done by practicing clean and healthy living habits, namely by:
- Get into the habit of washing your hands.
- Drink clean boiled water.
- Cook meat or fish until completely cooked.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
When taking deworming medicine, make sure you always read and follow the instructions on the package. Deworming medicine for adults may cause side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or even allergies.
If you experience these side effects, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.