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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• albendazole (Albenza) is the most common treatment for pinworms.
  
  
  • Treatment is a single tablet, which kills the worms. There are different strengths for adults and children younger than two years of age.
    
    
  • Because eggs can survive for a few weeks, the patient will have to take a second dose two weeks later to lessen the chance of reinfection.
  
  
• mebendazole (Vermox) also works. It is also taken in a single dose and repeated two weeks later.
  
  
• Because it is common for everyone in a household to have pinworms at the same time, the doctor may recommend that everyone be treated at the same time.
  
  
• The doctor may also recommend tap water enemas to help flush out the pinworms and reduce symptoms.
  
  
• After taking the pills, the patient should also do the following:
  
  
  • Get into the habit of carefully washing the hands after using the toilet, and before and after eating.
    
    
  • Thoroughly launder all bedding, clothing, and toys to destroy any lingering eggs.
    
    
  • Launder all bedding every 3-7 days for three weeks.
    
    
  • Wash underwear and pajamas daily for two weeks.

Previously used drugs [pyrantel pamoate (Pin-Rid, Pin-X)  and piperazine] are now rarely used due to lower efficacy and a higher frequency of side effects when compared to albendazole (Albenza) or mebendazole (Vermox).

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