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Fish Tapeworm Treatment

According to Medline Plus, Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm) is the largest intestinal worm that can infect humans. An infection resulting from eating contaminated fish is known as Diphyllobothriasis. Eating fresh water fish containing tapeworm eggs can develop an infection. Treatments consist of oral medications taken in a single dose.

  1. Praziquantel

    • Praziquantel is the preferred tapeworm treatment.

      According to the CDC, praziquantel is a medication commonly used for the treatment of fish tapeworms. Praziquantel kills larvae and prevents the larvae from spreading throughout your body.

    Niclosamide

    • Niclosamide is an oral medication that users can either chew or swallow. This form of medication kills adult tapeworms, which then passed through your stool.

    Albendazole

    • Albendazole represents another form of tapeworm treatment.

      Albendazole works in the same way as praziquantel by ridding your body of tapeworm larvae.

    Paromycin

    • Antibiotics may also be prescribed.

      Paromycin is an antibiotic sometimes used in conjunction with an anthelmintic medication.

    Injections

    • Vitamin B12 injections may prove necessary.

      Having a tapeworm infection can result in anemia. According to Medline Plus, you may need "vitamin B12 injections or supplements" to help combat symptoms of anemia.

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