Helminths are found even in those people who follow all the rules of hygiene. Pets, public transport, half-baked food - all these factors can cause infection with worms. And then there is poor health, poor health and many other “side effects”. Worms are especially dangerous for the children's body. In this article you can find a list of anthelmintic drugs with a wide spectrum of action and read more about the most famous of them.
Helminths in the human body
Helminthiasis, or helminthic invasion, is a disease that occurs as a result of infection of the human body by worms. In nature, there are many, and they have the ability to live in almost all body tissues. The most common type are helminths transmitted through the soil. These include roundworms. They enter the body through unwashed fruits and vegetables, poorly prepared meat, or simply through dirty hands. It is not for nothing that in childhood everyone was forced to wash their hands before eating - this is the most effective way to prevent infection with worms.
How to understand that worms are wound up in your body? In the early stages, it is almost impossible to do without analysis. But you should beware and consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Baseless allergy.
- Deterioration of appearance: hair loss, brittle nails, dull skin.
- Rashes on the face and body.
- Diarrhea or vomiting.
- Anemia.
- Problems with the nervous system.
Toxins secreted by worms adversely affect the appearance of a person and his nervous system, so the sooner they are detected, the better. How can you eradicate them from your body?
Anthelmintic drugs with a wide spectrum of action
In Russia, the prevalence of helminthiases is not very strong, and they are found only in a small percentage of the population. All helminths can be divided into three large groups. When choosing an anthelmintic drug, you need to know exactly who you are going to poison:
- Roundworms and nematodes cause nematodosis. These include, for example, pinworms.
- Tapeworms (echinococcosis, etc.) cause cestodoses.
- Trematodes cause such helminthic invasion as trematodosis.
If you are not sure what type of worms you are infected with, then you should pay attention to anthelmintic drugs of wide action. They work effectively against different types of parasites. Usually they are used in cases where the toxicity from worms is very high and the body urgently needs to provide all possible assistance. What broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs can be distinguished?
- Nemozol.
- "Mebendazole".
- Albendazole
- Zentel.
But unfortunately, these anthelmintic drugs have many side effects. All tablets from worms are toxic, but the above drugs affect worms, which, when killed, emit a lot of toxins. To avoid poisoning the body, it is necessary to take sorbents at the same time.
Medicines for children
In modern pharmacies you can find a wide range of drugs for worms. A separate category is occupied by those drugs that can be taken only by adults. Due to the high toxicity of drugs, the appointment of their children is possible only after consultation with a specialist and analysis. Even if your child may have worms, do not rush to buy all kinds of drugs from the shelves. Tests can accurately show if your child is suffering from helminthiasis.
In the event that the doctor has confirmed the presence of parasites, it is recommended to choose gentle means aimed at a specific group of worms. It is strongly not recommended to give babies a wide range of anthelmintic drugs for people, as they can significantly undermine the child’s health. For very young children, there are only a few options for anthelmintic drugs. These are Pyrantel, Helminthox and Nemocide. They can be taken for children older than 6 months, but only under the supervision of doctors. Specialists without fail prescribe sorbents, among the recommendations there is also plenty of drinking and peace. What are the best anthelmintic drugs that can be distinguished?
The drug "Decarix"
One of the best medicines is considered "Decarix". This is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug for humans, which effectively kills almost all groups of worms. It acts on the nervous system of the worm: it paralyzes, as a result of which it cannot attach to the tissues of the body. This tool should not be taken for children under three years of age, pregnant and lactating women. Available in a package with one tablet, taken once. For children, the dosage is prescribed by the doctor. The drug costs 200 rubles. "Decarix" is made in Hungary, the reviews are positive. People write that the drug is easily tolerated and effectively copes with the task.
Vermox
"Vermox" is an anthelmintic drug that acts on a wide range of worms. It is prescribed for enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichinosis and other common diseases. It kills parasites by affecting the glucose utilization system and inhibits the production of cellular ATP. As a result, getting rid of parasites is quick and effective. The drug does not remain in the human body, but can affect the liver and kidneys, which remove toxins due to the breakdown of worms. Therefore, patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency from taking "Vermox" is better to abstain. The standard course includes three days of admission 2 times a day inside with a small amount of water. Vermox is almost half the price of Decarix, so people often use it to get rid of parasites.
Nemozol
Nemozol is one of the most popular anthelmintic drugs for adults. It is sold in brightly colored packaging. The cost of 1 tablet is about 400 rubles. It is made in India, dispensed only by prescription. Such severe restrictions are associated with the high toxicity of the drug: it can not be taken by children, pregnant women, people with retinal damage and impaired functioning of internal organs. Reviews about this anthelmintic drug for people are a bit controversial: among them you can find both positive and negative. People complain of dizziness, nausea and malfunctioning of the liver. Nevertheless, Nemozol very effectively kills worms, especially the larvae of cestodes and nematodes. Doctors prescribe this medicine in severe cases of infection with parasites:
- with echinococcosis of the liver, lungs, peritoneum;
- strongyloidosis;
- mixed helminthic invasions.
"Pirantel"
"Pyrantel" is another popular anthelmintic drug that affects a number of parasites:
- pinworms;
- roundworm;
- hookworm.
The medicine is able to affect the muscles of the worms, causing its paralysis. In this case, the drug is ineffective against larvae that remain intact. "Pirantel" can be used in childhood, if the weight of the child is more than 12 kilograms. A significant difference between this medication is the presence of a suspension form for children. For older children, there are tablets with a dosage of 125 mg, and for adults, you can purchase a full dosage of 250 mg. There are several analogues of the drug on the Russian market. Among them are the French medicine Helminthox and Nemocide of Indian origin. Regardless of the company, the antihelminthic drug receives good reviews and praise from customers.
Levamisole
Time-tested remedies are very popular among the people. They still have excellent efficiency, not inferior to modern counterparts. One such miracle cure is levamisole hydrochloride. It costs mere pennies, but it is very effective. The medicine was first produced in 1966, and since then it has often been used to get rid of parasites in children and adults. He even won the inclusion in a special list of vital medicines for humans, which is the WHO. An effective anthelmintic drug disrupts the energy system of parasites, paralyzing them, as a result of which they are naturally excreted within a day after taking the medicine.
But with the side effects of “Levamisole” not everything is so rosy. The medicine was even banned in the United States and Canada as too toxic for the human body. Levamisole has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Malfunctions can also begin on the part of the nervous system.
"Mebendazole"
Mebendazole is also worthy of attention. It was synthesized in the 70s of the last century and managed to gain general trust. It is effective against many groups of worms, it is often used for mixed worm infestations. The drug affects the production of glucose and ATP in the body of worms, removing them from the body very quickly. The medicine is prescribed for enterobiasis, ascariasis and infection with more rare forms of parasites. The standard dosage of one tablet is 100 mg. This dose can be taken by adults, but not by children, therefore, they are usually not prescribed Mebendazole. As for adults, doctors prescribe the medicine twice a day, three days in a row. Reviews of the anthelmintic drug are mostly positive. People note high efficiency and almost complete absence of influence on the body. However, after taking, many have to drink probiotics to restore intestinal microflora. The drug itself is relatively inexpensive: only 70-100 rubles per package, which makes it affordable for the general population.
Pros and cons of taking medications
Among people, it is believed that 90% of the population is infected with worms. However, official statistics do not confirm this. In Russia, due to the rather cool climate, it is difficult to become infected with parasites. At risk are pet owners, children and people who do not follow basic hygiene. Very often enterobiosis is infected in the summer, when there are a lot of vegetables and fruits on the shelves, and the heat promotes the propagation of parasites.
If parasites are found in your body, you will probably want to get rid of them. Modern anthelmintic drugs effectively destroy unwanted "guests", but at the same time they have a certain effect on the human body. The most toxic of the entire line are drugs based on levamisole. They, as a rule, act on a wide range of parasites, and because of this, quite potent components also affect the internal organs of a person. They are strictly forbidden to take children and pregnant and lactating mothers. The least dangerous modern drug is Piperazin. It is prescribed even to children under one year old. The best option, if you want to effectively influence several groups of parasites, are Albendazole or Mebendazole.
How to take anthelmintic drugs?
As a rule, with helminthiasis, doctors prescribe a single dose of the drug. This is the initial dosage, which is worth starting from. Further medication depends on the type of worms and their number. If the infection is extensive, then you need to drink a whole course from 3 to 8 days. Simultaneously with the intake of anthelmintic agents, sorbents and probiotics are prescribed. Sorbents (Smecta, Polyphepan) contribute to the removal of toxins from the intestines, which are formed during the death of parasites. Without this auxiliary agent, all harmful substances are absorbed into the intestinal wall and poison the body. Probiotics are needed to restore the natural microflora, which is disturbed during the baiting of parasites. The fact is that most of them are based in the intestinal lumen, eating healthy substances that enter the human body.
Among the side effects of broad-acting anthelmintic drugs, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, visual impairment, and in severe cases, renal and liver failure, can be distinguished. Nevertheless, worms, remaining for a long time in the human body, have a destructive effect on him. Roundworms, for example, first settle in the intestine, and then their larvae penetrate the bloodstream into other organs. Worms can be deadly if no action is taken. Therefore, anthelmintic drugs, even the most powerful ones, are much safer than colonies of parasites in the body.
Doctors advice
What do experts advise when taking anthelmintic drugs? Preparations are best taken in the morning, when the intestines have not yet had time to overflow with food. If the group of worms is not installed precisely, then you can use several drugs at once that have an effect on a vast number of parasites. In no case should you drink alcohol while taking worm medicine - this mixture can permanently poison your liver. Do not engage in self-medication and self-diagnosis - it is better to visit a competent specialist. The highest risk of contracting helminths in the summer and autumn, when there are a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables in the market and in the shops, and summer residents bring a rich harvest from their possessions. Particularly sensitive to their health people at this time can be prevented from undergoing treatment for helminths, but this must be done with the help of gentle means or alternative medicine. If you still have worms detected, then a few weeks after the first course, doctors recommend a second one. The fact is that anthelmintic drugs do not affect the larvae of worms. And just after a short time, when they become active, the repeated use of drugs destroys the last of them.
Prevention
In the treatment of worms, not only medicines are needed, but also the prevention of reinfestation. Agree, what's the point of poisoning your body with chemistry if everything repeats itself again after a couple of weeks? Therefore, when taking anthelmintic drugs, and even after this, a number of simple rules must be observed:
- Wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. If you often travel by public transport, try not to touch your face with dirty hands and always carry a small bottle of antibacterial agent with you.
- Underwear must be changed every day, washed at a temperature not lower than 90 degrees and ironed on both sides with an iron. To achieve maximum effect, you need to do the same with bedding.
- Wet cleaning of floors and all horizontal surfaces can reduce the risk of re-infection with helminths. Dirt carried on boots from the street may contain larvae of harmful parasites.
- Using personal hygiene products will protect your loved ones from becoming infected with the same ailment.
Folk remedies
Instead of pharmaceuticals, some people prefer to use natural remedies that nature has provided us with. These include:
- Pumpkin seeds have long been an excellent anthelmintic drug for prevention. They contain a special oil that can affect tapeworms. In relation to other groups of parasites, this folk remedy is ineffective, so it is better to use it as an auxiliary component.
- Tansy flowers have a good anthelmintic effect. In folk medicine, inflorescences are usually used, which are dried and brewed. The prepared infusion is drunk for several weeks two to three times a day. At the end of the course, it is necessary to take tests in order to make sure that the parasites are finished. This method is safe for health and does not cause any side effects, but may not be effective enough.
Helminthiasis is a dangerous disease that cannot be ignored. But treatment should be prescribed only by a qualified specialist. Then your body will remain healthy, and the side effects will not affect you.