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Adult Tapeworm Treatments

Tapeworm infections result from ingesting food or drink that contains tapeworm eggs or larvae. Mature tapeworms attach themselves to the wall of the lower intestine and produce eggs. According to Mayo Clinic, most tapeworm infections go unnoticed and do not create health problems for the infected person. However, invasive tapeworm infections that migrate outside of the intestine can cause complications such as cysts on the liver or lungs.

  1. Praziquantel

    • Praziquantel is in a class of drugs called "anthelmintics," which are used to kill parasitic worms, reports PubMed Health. Praziquantel typically comes in tablet form. One tablet three times daily is usually sufficient to cure tapeworm infection. Side effects are relatively mild and may include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea and fever. Note that praziquantel only targets an adult tapeworm and not tapeworm eggs. Stool samples taken after successful treatment will indicate if any tapeworm eggs remain in the body.

    Anti-inflammatories

    • If tapeworm larvae migrate outside of the intestines, they are said to be "invasive" and can cause additional symptoms such as cysts. Cysts may become inflamed, which requires anti-inflammatory treatment. eMedicine reports that doctors may prescribe a class of anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation. According to Mayo Clinic, oral corticosteroids affect the entire body and have been known to cause side effects including elevated pressure in the eyes, fluid retention, increased blood pressure and mood swings.

    Surgery

    • Tapeworm-induced cysts may be removed surgically depending on their size and location. Typical locations of cysts that require surgery include the liver, lungs and eyes. Cysts that are not removed can eventually threaten organ function and health. Cysts requiring surgery may create symptoms including stomach pain, chronic cough, headache and chest pain. During surgery, surgeons identify the exact location of the cyst through radiology and remove the cyst using a strong suction device, indicates eMedicine.

    Prevention

    • Once treated, patients should use preventive measures to ensure tapeworm infection does not recur. Prevention methods suggested by Mayo Clinic include always washing your hands after handling food and using the toilet, thoroughly cooking meat at temperatures of at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit and avoiding contact with fecal matter from livestock. Also, always wash your food when traveling in areas where tapeworm infection is more common.

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