Threadworms

Prescribing Notes:

• Mebendazole is available via the Pharmacy First service, or to purchase from community pharmacies.
• Anthelmintics should be used in combination with hygienic measures (hand washing, pants at night, morning shower) to break the cycle of auto-infection. On day 1 wash sleepwear and bed linen, dust and vacuum. All members of the family should be treated at the same time.
• Washing hands and scrubbing nails before each meal and after each visit to the toilet is essential. A bath taken immediately after rising will remove ova laid during the night.
• One dose of mebendazole is usually sufficient for treatment of threadworms; if infection persists a second dose may be repeated after 2 weeks.
• In pregnant women (at least in the first trimester) mebendazole should not be used, only use hygiene measures (for 6 weeks).