Pinworms are common, small, white, parasitic worms that infect human intestines. Also known as threadworms, they cause enterobiasis, common among children. Symptoms like intense anal itching, especially at night, often lead to treatment. Though generally not serious, pinworm infections are highly contagious, making effective treatment and prevention important.
Understanding How Pinworm Medicine Works
Pinworm medications, called anthelmintics, target the worms. Common options include over-the-counter pyrantel pamoate, and prescription mebendazole and albendazole. Pyrantel pamoate acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent, causing spastic paralysis in worms, allowing the body to naturally remove them. Mebendazole and albendazole inhibit the worms’ ability to absorb glucose and other nutrients, disrupting their cellular structure. This energy depletion leads to gradual immobilization and death of the parasites.
These medications act quickly. Pyrantel pamoate clears pinworms within 48 to 72 hours. For albendazole, symptom relief begins within three days. While medicine swiftly kills or paralyzes adult worms, expulsion takes time. Reduced itching may be noticed within a day or two, but complete clearance takes longer.
What to Expect After Taking the Medicine
After the initial dose, anal itching may persist for five to seven days. This is because medication primarily targets adult worms, not pinworm eggs. Eggs can survive in the environment and hatch, leading to re-infection.
A second dose is given two weeks after the first. This follow-up dose targets newly hatched worms that were in their egg stage during initial treatment. Taking a second dose breaks the pinworm life cycle and prevents infection from returning. Pinworm medications are well-tolerated, with mild side effects like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, or dizziness.
Steps to Prevent Re-infection
Preventing re-infection is key, as eggs are highly contagious and survive on surfaces for two to three weeks. Thorough handwashing with soap and warm water is a primary preventive measure, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Keeping fingernails short and clean also prevents egg accumulation and transfer.
Daily hygiene practices are important:
- Shower every morning to remove eggs laid overnight, rather than bathing, which can spread eggs.
- Change underwear and bed linens daily, washing them in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and drying on high heat to destroy eggs.
- Clean surfaces like toys, counters, and toilet seats frequently with soap and water to reduce egg spread.
- Treat all household members simultaneously, even if asymptomatic, to prevent further spread due to easy transmission.