Treatment of enterobiasis caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm). Albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate are drugs of choice.
Filariasis
Treatment of filariasis caused by Mansonella perstans†. Mebendazole and albendazole are drugs of choice. Antihistamines or corticosteroids also may be indicated to decrease allergic reactions secondary to disintegration of microfilariae following treatment.
Treatment of onchocerciasis† (filariasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus). Drug of choice is ivermectin.
Hookworm Infections
Treatment of intestinal hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus in single or mixed infections. Drugs of choice are albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate.
Treatment of eosinophilic enterocolitis† caused by Ancylostoma caninum (dog hookworm). Treatment of choice is mebendazole, albendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or endoscopic removal of worms.
Toxocariasis (Visceral Larva Migrans)
Treatment of toxocariasis† (visceral larva migrans) caused by Toxocara canis or T. cati (dog and cat roundworms). Albendazole and mebendazole are drugs of choice. Concomitant corticosteroids may be indicated in severe cases with cardiac, ocular, or CNS involvement. Treatment may not be effective for ocular larva migrans; inflammation may be reduced by corticosteroid injections, and surgery may be necessary for secondary damage.
Trichinellosis
Treatment of trichinellosis† (trichinosis) caused by Trichinella spiralis. Drug of choice is mebendazole; albendazole is an alternative. Concomitant corticosteroids usually recommended, especially for severe disease. Corticosteroids alleviate symptoms of the inflammatory reaction and can be lifesaving when cardiac or CNS systems are involved.
Trichostrongyliasis
Treatment of trichostrongyliasis† caused by Trichostrongylus. Pyrantel pamoate is drug of choice; albendazole and mebendazole are alternatives.
Trichuriasis
Treatment of trichuriasis caused by Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). Mebendazole is drug of choice; albendazole and ivermectin are alternatives.
Capillariasis
Treatment of capillariasis† caused by Capillaria philippinensis. Mebendazole is drug of choice; albendazole is an alternative.
Dracunculiasis
Has been used in the treatment of Dracunculus medinensis† (guinea worm) infection. Reportedly kills worm directly. Treatment of choice is slow extraction of worm and wound care.
Angiostrongyliasis
Has been used in conjunction with corticosteroids for the treatment of eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis†. May shorten course of infection, but not number of relapses. Infection usually self-limited. No drug proven effective; some patients have worsened when treated.
Intestinal Tapeworm Infection
Has been used in the treatment of intestinal infections caused by adult forms of tapeworms including Hymenolepis nana† (dwarf tapeworm), Taenia saginata† (beef tapeworm), and T. solium† (pork tapeworm). Drugs of choice are praziquantel and nitazoxanide.
Hydatid Disease
Has been used for the treatment of hydatid disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus† (dog tapeworm). The manufacturer states that there is no evidence of efficacy in hydatid disease, even at high doses. Treatment of choice is surgery; perioperative use of an anthelmintics may be indicated to minimize the risk of intraoperative dissemination of daughter cysts. Albendazole is drug of choice when an anthelmintic is indicated.
Has been used for the treatment of alveolar hydatid disease caused by E. multiocularis†. Surgical excision of the larval mass is the recommended and only reliable treatment. Although efficacy has not been definitely established, continuous albendazole (or mebendazole) therapy has been associated with clinical improvement in some nonresectable cases.
Giardiasis
Has been used for treatment of giardiasis† caused by Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). Metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide are drugs of choice.
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