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Worm Medication and Side Effects

Worms are caused by parasitic worms that live and take food from a person's body. This disease can be overcome by taking worm medicine. Worms occur mostly in tropical or developing countries with food and water and an environment that is not maintained clean. Fortunately, intestinal worms can be treated by taking anthelmintic medication. Here are some examples of worm medicines that can be consumed.

Mebendazole

This medicine is commonly used to treat various helminth infections such as roundworms, hookworms, pinworms or worms, and whipworms. This worm medicine works by preventing the worms from absorbing the sugar (glucose) of the body. The result, worms will lose energy and then die. Patients with liver disease are advised to be careful if you want to take this drug. Nursing mothers and children under the age of 2 years are also advised to consult with a doctor before taking them. It should be noted that mebendazole can cause side effects. You are advised to stop taking mebendazole if you experience a reaction, such as itching, skin rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, shortness of breath or airway obstruction due to swelling of the throat wall. Talk to your doctor if you have an upset stomach, diarrhea, or fever, before stopping treatment.

Praziquantel

Praziquantel is used to treat infections caused by flatworms in the liver or bloodstream. Praziquantel works by making the worm muscles spasm and are paralyzed. After the medicine is taken, the worms are then excreted in the stool. Praziquantel can cause an allergic reaction to the drug, with symptoms of itching and rashes or bumps on the skin, shortness of breath, and swelling in the body. The side effects of this medicine are excessive sweating, headache or dizziness, nausea, stomach ache, feeling tired, and mild fever arises. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have other medical problems, especially heart disease or heart rhythm abnormalities, history of seizures, having cysts in the eyes or brain, kidney disease, and liver disorders.

Niclosamide

Niclosamide is used to treat infections of fish tapeworms, dwarf tapeworms, and beef tapeworms. Niclosamide works by killing tapeworms. Worms that die and sometimes disintegrate in the intestine are then removed together with feces. Some side effects of niclosamide may not require medical attention. But do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience cramps or abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, itching in the rectal area, and skin rashes.

Piperazine

Piperazine is used to treat roundworms and pinworms. Piperazine works by immobilizing worms until they are then excreted through feces. The use of this drug can be influenced by certain diseases, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or epilepsy. Side effects of piperazine, including difficulty concentrating, skin tingling, fever, irregular movements of the face, arms and legs, joint pain, and rashes or itching. Immediately consult a doctor or hospital if side effects persist.

Pyrantel

Pyrantel is used to treat pinworms in the body by being paralyzed and then discharged out of the body through feces. This drug has been registered with the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration. Just like other worm medicines, pyrantel also has side effects such as cramps or abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty sleeping. Generally, the treatment period for intestinal worms with medicine for worms is quite short (several days). However, it all depends on the type of worm in the body and the type of medication given by the doctor. So that the body does not become a residence of worms, be diligent in washing hands before eating and after defecating, and always keep the environment clean. Also, make sure the water you drink is clean and cooked. The government also appealed to the public to routinely consume worm medicine as a step to prevent intestinal worms. To get the right worm medicine, you can consult a doctor or get worm medicine at the nearest health center.

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