Over the Counter Medication for Tapeworm

Tapeworm is an infection cause by the taeniasis parasite. The taeniasis parasite is usually found in contaminated water and food. The tapeworm infection is typically acquired when an individual ingests contaminated consumables. While tapeworm can be treated with prescription medication, there are no over-the-counter medications available to treat tapeworm.

Laxatives

• While tapeworm can be treated with prescription medication, it will kill the larvae (eggs). Your physician may recommend a mild over-the-counter laxative, with your prescription medication in order to rid the body of any remaining eggs.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of tapeworm infection may include weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain.

Invasive Tapeworm

• When left untreated, tapeworm larvae may migrate to the brain, “invasive tapeworm." Symptoms of invasive tapeworm infection may include, seizures, fever, a cyst and neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis

• A sample of your stool may be collect by your physician and sent to a laboratory for the detection of larvae under microscopic testing.

Treatment

• Treatment of tapeworm infection involves prescription medication that is toxic to the tapeworm parasite. Praziquantel and albendazole are the medications most often prescribed to treat tapeworm infection