What can I take to deworm myself? Understanding Medications, Diagnosis, and Treatment

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of people worldwide suffer from intestinal parasitic worm infections annually, and effective treatment is crucial for both personal health and public sanitation. For those wondering what can I take to deworm myself, the answer depends on the specific type of worm, with options ranging from prescription medications to a few over-the-counter choices, always requiring a proper medical diagnosis.

Quick Summary

Treatment for parasitic worms in humans typically involves specific anthelmintic medications, prescribed after a medical diagnosis confirms the type of infection. Options include prescription drugs like Albendazole and Mebendazole for various worms, or over-the-counter Pyrantel Pamoate primarily for pinworms. Efficacy varies by parasite, and household treatment is often necessary.

Key Points

Professional Diagnosis is Key: Before taking any dewormer, see a doctor to confirm the specific type of worm infection, as treatment varies by parasite.
Prescription Medications: For many serious infections like hookworm and tapeworm, potent anthelmintics such as Albendazole and Mebendazole are necessary and require a doctor's prescription.
Over-the-Counter Option for Pinworms: Pyrantel Pamoate is an effective over-the-counter option, primarily used for treating pinworm infections.
Treat the Entire Household: If a highly contagious infection like pinworm is diagnosed, all family members often need treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Natural Remedies Are Unproven: Herbal and natural treatments like garlic or pumpkin seeds lack scientific evidence for effectiveness compared to medical treatment and should not replace prescribed medication.
Hygiene is Essential for Prevention: Strict hygiene, including frequent handwashing and washing bed linens in hot water, is critical to prevent spreading the infection and to avoid reinfection.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

Before considering any treatment, seeking a professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider is paramount. A medical professional can identify the specific type of worm causing the infection, which is a critical step because different parasites respond to different medications. Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, a review of symptoms, or laboratory tests. For example, a doctor might use the 'sticky tape test' to check for pinworm eggs or analyze a fresh stool sample to identify other intestinal worm eggs. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment or unnecessary use of medication, so a professional evaluation ensures the most appropriate course of action.

Prescription Deworming Medications

For many types of intestinal worm infections, prescription-strength medication is required for effective treatment. These are potent anthelmintic drugs that disrupt the parasite's metabolism or nervous system, leading to its death or paralysis.

Albendazole: Often used to treat a broad spectrum of worm infections, including roundworms, hookworms, and certain types of tapeworms. It works by preventing the worms from absorbing sugar (glucose), causing them to lose energy and die. For complex infections like neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease, Albendazole may be prescribed for an extended period. It is important to take this medication with food, especially fatty meals, to aid absorption. Side effects can include stomach pain, nausea, and headache.
Mebendazole: A commonly prescribed medication effective against pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Mebendazole, like Albendazole, works by inhibiting the worm's ability to use sugar for energy. The dosage depends on the type of infection, with a single dose often sufficient for pinworms, while a multi-day course is needed for other infections. Mild, temporary side effects like stomach pain and diarrhea are possible.
Ivermectin: This is another potent prescription anthelmintic used for certain roundworm infections, such as onchocerciasis (river blindness) and strongyloidiasis. It works by paralyzing the worms so they can be passed in the stool.

Over-the-Counter Deworming Options

In contrast to the prescription options, there is one primary over-the-counter (OTC) medication available for treating certain human worm infections.

Pyrantel Pamoate: This is the most common OTC treatment, primarily used for pinworm infections. It works by paralyzing the worms, causing them to lose their grip on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the body in stool. It is often sold under brand names like Reese's Pinworm Medicine and is available as a liquid or chewable tablet. Pinworm infections are highly contagious, and it is recommended that all household members be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection. Some people might require a repeat dose after two weeks, as the medication kills only the adult worms, not the eggs.

The Role of Natural and Herbal Remedies

Some traditional or herbal remedies have anecdotal support for their antiparasitic properties, but it is important to note that scientific evidence for their effectiveness and safety in treating intestinal worms is limited. Medical professionals do not typically recommend relying solely on these methods for treating a diagnosed infection, as they are not guaranteed to be effective and could delay proper treatment. Examples of natural remedies that are sometimes discussed include:

Garlic: Contains compounds with antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects, though studies on its efficacy against intestinal worms in humans are inconclusive.
Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which is believed by some to paralyze intestinal worms.
Papaya: Unripe papaya and its seeds contain enzymes thought to have anthelmintic properties. A pilot study showed promise with dried papaya seeds and honey, but more research is needed.

For a confirmed infection, relying on scientifically proven and medically approved medication is the safest and most reliable approach. Natural remedies should be viewed as complementary at best and discussed with a doctor before use.

Comparison of Common Deworming Treatments


Medication	Availability	Common Worms Treated	Mechanism of Action	Special Considerations
Albendazole	Prescription	Roundworm, Hookworm, Tapeworm, Cysticercosis, Hydatid Disease	Blocks glucose uptake, starving the worm.	Requires a prescription; taken with fatty meals to aid absorption.
Mebendazole	Prescription (often)	Pinworm, Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm	Blocks glucose uptake, starving the worm.	Dosage varies; treatment for pinworms often includes repeating the dose.
Ivermectin	Prescription	Certain roundworms (e.g., river blindness)	Paralyzes the worms, allowing the body to expel them.	Used for specific systemic infections; not for all types of worms.
Pyrantel Pamoate	Over-the-Counter	Pinworm	Paralyzes the worms, causing expulsion in stool.	Primarily for pinworms; often requires treating the entire household.

Preventing Reinfection and Spreading Worms

Treatment for a worm infection is most effective when combined with strict hygiene practices, especially for contagious infections like pinworms.

Wash hands frequently: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food.
Improve personal hygiene: Shower or bathe daily, and ensure fingernails are kept short and clean.
Clean living spaces: Regularly wash bedding, towels, and sleepwear in hot water to kill any eggs. Frequently vacuum or damp-mop floors, particularly in bedrooms.
Wear close-fitting undergarments: This can prevent scratching and reduce the spread of eggs.
Avoid scratching: This is crucial to prevent eggs from being transferred from the anal area to the hands and then to surfaces or the mouth.

Conclusion: Seek Medical Advice for Safe Treatment

While OTC options exist for specific infections like pinworms, a medical diagnosis is always the safest first step for a suspected parasitic worm infection. Your doctor can identify the correct parasite and prescribe the most effective and appropriate medication. Self-treating with unproven natural remedies is not recommended and can delay effective care. By consulting a healthcare provider, following the prescribed treatment plan, and implementing thorough hygiene practices, you can effectively and safely deworm yourself and prevent reinfection.

Learn more about intestinal parasites and their treatments from the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pyrantel Pamoate, sold under brands like Reese's Pinworm Medicine, is the most common OTC medication available for treating pinworm infections.

While some natural remedies are anecdotally associated with antiparasitic effects, there is little scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness or safety in treating human intestinal worm infections. Medical professionals recommend relying on proven medications.

You should see a doctor as soon as you suspect a parasitic infection. A doctor can perform tests, such as a stool sample, to accurately identify the type of worm and prescribe the correct medication.

Yes, different medications are used depending on the parasite. For example, Albendazole and Mebendazole treat a wide range of roundworms and hookworms, while Pyrantel Pamoate is specific for pinworms. More complex infections might require different drugs.

Preventing reinfection involves strict hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You should also wash all bed linens and clothing in hot water and thoroughly clean your living environment.

Yes, for contagious infections like pinworms, it is often recommended to treat the entire household at the same time. This is because the eggs spread easily, and simultaneous treatment is the best way to prevent the infection from returning.

Albendazole works by interfering with the worm's ability to absorb glucose, its primary energy source. This starves the worm, causing it to lose energy and die.