Threadworm

Question 1

Mebendazole (100mg) chocolate square

Answer 1

• kills adult worms –> passed in the feces
  Adults, children >2: 1 chocolate square for the initial dose
• Then another 2 weeks after
• Treat household contacts/ partners/ carers regardless of symptoms (unless pregnant)
• Adverse effects: nausea, headache (generally well tolerated)

Question 2

Mebendazole (100mg) tablet

Answer 2

Use if lactose intolerant
- adults, children >2: 1 tablet as single dose; treat all family members
- repeat after 2-4 weeks if necessary

Question 3

Pyrantel (100mg) chocolate squares

Answer 3

10 mg/kg as single dose.
- Children 10-25 kg (≈ 1-5 yrs): 1-2 squares
- 26-45 kg (6-10 yrs): 3-4 squares.
- 46-56 kg (11-13 yrs): 5 squares.
- 57-70 kg (14-18 yrs): 6 squares
- adults > 70 kg: 7 squares
- Adverse effects: headache, nausea

Question 4

Pyrantel (125mg) tablets

Answer 4

• Adults > 70 kg (> 18 yrs): 6 tabs
• children 45-70 kg (≈ 13-18 yrs): 4-6 tabs
• 35-45 kg (≈ 11-13 yrs): 3-4 tabs
• 20-35 kg (≈ 5-11 yrs): 2-3 tabs
• 10-20 kg (≈ 1-5 yrs): 1-2 tabs
• Adverse effects: headache, nausea

Question 5

Threadworm referral

Answer 5

• Aged < 12 months
• Diagnosis is unclear
• Signs of secondary infection
• Symptoms do not respond to appropriate treatment
• presence of large worms (>1cm)
• abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, low energy levels