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Are there any prescription treatments for pinworms?

Pinworms are small, white, threadlike worms that can live in the large intestine. Pinworms are spread when people who are infested unknowingly transfer the eggs to their fingers, clothes, or bedding. Other people then pick up these eggs through food or by touch. The main symptom of a pinworm infestation is intense nighttime itching near the anus.

Once your doctor has determined that pinworms are the problem, there are very effective oral medications including Vermox (generic name mebendazole), and Albenza (albendazole) that can be prescribed if over-the-counter treatments fail to work. To help your doctor with the diagnosis, wait until the affected person has been asleep for an hour or two. Then use a piece of cellophane tape to pick up pinworms from the person's anus. (Adult worms may leave the anus to lay their eggs at this time.) If you find worms on the tape, take them to your doctor for examination.

Sources:
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc., 1998.
Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies. Medletter Associates Inc., 1999.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
Diseases and Conditions, "Pinworm infection." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 8/3/2001.
This information updated 1/3/2007.