Guide to the management of gastro-intestinal infections (Threadworms):

The whole family should be treated. They should be advised to cut fingernails and to change bed linen. Wash hands and scrub nails before each meal and after visiting the toilet, and have morning showers or baths to remove eggs laid overnight and prevent reinfection.

Treatment

Mebendazole is the drug of choice for all patients > 2 years but cannot be used in pregnancy.

Patients > 2 years: 100 mg single dose (a second dose can be given after 14 days to prevent reinfection.)

or

Piperazine  

Piperazine is cautioned in pregnancy, manufacturer advises avoid in the first trimester.

Powder sachet (4g piperazine phosphate and sennosides 15.3 mg)

• Children 3 months- 1 year                    2.5ml spoonful (on medical advice only)

• Children 1-6 years                                5ml spoonful

• Adults and children >6 year                 1 sachet

A second dose should be repeated 14 days later to prevent re-infection

 See BNF section 5.5.1(intranet only)

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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