What is the name of the tablet for worms in the stomach? A Guide to Anthelmintic Medications

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health concern, with hundreds of millions of people affected by various types of worms, including pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate tablet for worms in the stomach to treat these conditions, but the exact medication depends on the specific parasite causing the infection.

Quick Summary

Anthelmintic medications, such as mebendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel pamoate, are commonly prescribed tablets to treat intestinal worm infections by disrupting the parasite's metabolism or causing paralysis. The specific medication is determined by the type of worm and individual patient factors.

Key Points

Mebendazole is a common anthelmintic: A widely used tablet for various intestinal worms like pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms, available in chewable form.
Albendazole is a potent prescription drug: This broad-spectrum medication is effective against a wider array of worms, including tapeworms, and is available by prescription only.
Pyrantel Pamoate is an OTC option for pinworms: This over-the-counter medicine works by paralyzing pinworms and is often used for simple pinworm infections.
Medications starve or paralyze the worms: Most anthelmintics work by either inhibiting the parasite's ability to absorb sugar or by paralyzing it, leading to its expulsion or death.
Always consult a doctor for diagnosis: Determining the specific type of worm infection is crucial for effective treatment and requires professional medical evaluation.
Hygiene is key to prevention: Consistent and thorough handwashing, proper food preparation, and laundering of bedding are essential to prevent reinfection and spread.
Side effects are generally mild and temporary: Common side effects include abdominal pain and nausea, but serious adverse effects can occur with certain medications or long-term use.

Intestinal worm infections, or helminthiasis, are caused by parasitic worms that live in the human digestive system. These infections are a common health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential for effective treatment, as the medication needed varies depending on the type of worm.

Common Anthelmintic Medications

Anthelmintics are a class of antiparasitic drugs that work by either killing or expelling intestinal worms. The choice of medication depends on the parasite identified through diagnostic tests, which may include a stool sample analysis.

Mebendazole (Emverm)

Mebendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic used to treat various infections caused by pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is available as a chewable tablet and is often prescribed for adults and children over two years old. It functions by preventing the worms from absorbing glucose, causing them to lose energy and die.

Albendazole (Albenza)

Albendazole is another powerful, broad-spectrum anthelmintic that is available by prescription only. It is used to treat a wide range of parasitic infections, including those caused by roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Albendazole works by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin dimers, which interferes with microtubule formation in the worm's intestinal cells. This disruption also prevents glucose absorption, leading to the parasite's death.

Pyrantel Pamoate

Pyrantel pamoate is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication primarily used to treat pinworm infections. It is effective against pinworms, roundworms, and hookworms. This medication works by paralyzing the worms, which allows the body to pass them naturally in the stool. A major advantage is its convenience and general tolerability.

How to Determine the Correct Medication

Self-diagnosing and self-treating a worm infection is not recommended. The symptoms of different parasitic infections can overlap, and using the wrong medication may be ineffective or even harmful. A doctor will typically perform diagnostic tests to identify the specific worm and then prescribe the most appropriate treatment. For example, while pyrantel pamoate is effective for pinworms and available OTC, other, more serious infections caused by tapeworms or flukes require prescription-strength medication like albendazole or praziquantel. In cases of pinworm infection, doctors often recommend treating the entire household to prevent reinfection.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While anthelmintic medications are generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur. These are usually mild and temporary, and include stomach pain, nausea, and headache. In some cases, more serious side effects like lowered white blood cell counts can happen with longer courses of medication. It is crucial to inform a healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease, before starting treatment. Pregnant women should not take most anthelmintic medications, especially in the first trimester, unless directed by a doctor.

Comparison of Common Anthelmintics


Feature	Albendazole	Mebendazole	Pyrantel Pamoate
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits microtubule formation and glucose uptake, killing the worm.	Prevents glucose uptake by the worm, leading to starvation and death.	Paralyzes the worms, allowing for natural expulsion in stool.
Primary Uses	Broad-spectrum treatment for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.	Broad-spectrum for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and pinworms.	Primarily pinworms, but also effective for roundworms and hookworms.
Availability	Prescription only.	Prescription (Emverm) or potentially available OTC in some regions for specific worms.	Over-the-counter (OTC).
Common Side Effects	Nausea, stomach pain, headache, temporary hair loss.	Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, temporary gut-related issues.	Stomach pain, nausea, headache.

Prevention and Hygiene

Preventing parasitic infections is key to avoiding recurrence. Simple hygiene practices are highly effective at breaking the cycle of infection.

Wash hands frequently: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food.
Practice food safety: Cook food thoroughly, especially meat. Wash all fruits and vegetables well, and consider peeling them before consumption.
Maintain a clean environment: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces. For pinworms, washing bed linens and nightclothes in hot water is important.
Wear footwear outside: In areas where soil-transmitted helminths are common, wearing shoes can prevent hookworm larvae from entering through the feet.

Conclusion

The name of the tablet for worms in the stomach is not a single entity but refers to a class of medications called anthelmintics, with prominent examples including mebendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. Each medication has specific uses and mechanisms. The most crucial step is to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis before beginning any treatment. Following a prescribed course of medication, along with diligent hygiene, is the most effective strategy for treating and preventing intestinal worm infections. For additional detailed information on antiparasitic medications, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Sources

Mayo Clinic: Ascariasis - Diagnosis & treatment
Mayo Clinic: Albendazole (oral route) - Side effects & dosage
CDC: Clinical Overview of Pinworm infection
MedlinePlus: Albendazole Drug Information
GoodRx: Antiparasitic (Anthelmintic) Medication

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common tablets prescribed for intestinal worms are mebendazole and albendazole. They are both effective broad-spectrum anthelmintics used to treat infections caused by various parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms.

Yes, pyrantel pamoate is an over-the-counter tablet available for treating pinworm infections. However, for other types of worms, prescription medication from a doctor is usually necessary.

Deworming pills work in different ways depending on the active ingredient. Mebendazole and albendazole inhibit the worm's ability to absorb glucose, causing it to starve. Pyrantel pamoate works by paralyzing the worm, which is then expelled from the body naturally.

The medication starts working immediately after it is absorbed, but it may take a few days to kill all the worms. The expulsion of worms may happen within hours or over a few days, depending on the infection and treatment.

Depending on the type of worm and the specific medication prescribed, a repeat dose may be recommended by a healthcare professional to ensure complete treatment.

Yes, common side effects can include stomach pain, nausea, headache, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and temporary. More severe side effects are possible with certain medications or long-term use, so it's important to follow a doctor's instructions.

If you suspect you have an intestinal worm infection, you should consult a doctor. They can properly diagnose the type of parasite through lab tests and recommend the appropriate medication and treatment plan.