You’ve probably heard of ‘deworming’ at your doctor’s clinic or from your child’s school. Many of us think of deworming as unnecessary, as something that only those in rural areas need. However, this couldn’t be further than the truth. Here is a complete guide on everything you need to know on how to deworm kids.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has declared 10th February as National Deworming Day. The aim of this initiative is to make every child in the country from ages 1-19 years worm free. The campaign uses schools and Anganwadi Centers to ensure every child is covered, so they can live a health life without compromising on education.
Worm infestation is an endemic in India, which has the highest burden of parasitic worms in the world. According to World Health Organization, 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms in India, out of the total 836 million children at risk worldwide. These worms can lead to anemia and malnourishment, which in turn affects physical and mental development.
It lives in human intestines and consume nutrients meant for the human body. They produce thousands of eggs each day, which are passed in faeces and spread to others in areas used for public toilet
How does a worm infestation occur?
When we speak of a worm infestation, we are referring to worms called helminths. When they are transmitted through soil contaminated with fecal matter, they are called Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or intestinal parasitic worms.
Other kinds of worms that infect humans are roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale).
A worm infection can occur when you ingest a worm, its larvae or even its eggs. The infection is transmitted by eggs excreted in human feces which contaminate areas that lack adequate sanitation. This can happen through the following ways:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating undercooked food (especially meat like pork) or food contaminated with worm eggs and feces
- Eating fruits or vegetables that are not properly washed or peeled
- Using utensils contaminated with worm eggs or feces
- Handling of infected pets
- Through unwashed hands, particularly when contaminated with worm eggs or feces
- By direct entry through the skin by walking barefoot
Adult worms live in human intestines for food and survival and produce thousands of eggs each day, which pass in human feces. Infected people who defecate outdoors spread worm eggs in the soil.
What are the effects of a worm infestation?
Worms living in the intestines feed on body organs including blood, due to which the infected person doesn’t get the nutrients he or she needs. Children with a worm infestation may show the following symptoms:
- Reduced concentration in school
- Difficulty doing daily tasks
- Loss of appetite and reduced food intake
- Loss of weight
- Abdominal pain
- Redness or rash around the anus
- Diarrhea
- Reduced physical and mental development
- Deficiency of iron, protein and Vitamin A
A worm infestation can be confirmed with a fecal test, endoscopy, blood test, tape test or other imaging tests.
How to Deworm Kids?
Deworming is a prophylactic measure to prevent children from getting infested with worms in the first place. The WHO recommends periodic treatment with antihelminthics (drugs which treat worm infestation) without individual diagnosis to all children who are at risk (living in an endemic region). According to the WHO, preschool children (2-5 years of age), school-age children and pregnant women (second and third trimester) in developing countries are at risk and can benefit from deworming.
Medicines for Deworming
The medicine used for deworming is Albendazole.
- Infants under 1 year should not be dewormed.
- For children under the age of 13 to 23 months, the dosage is 200mg. (single dose)
- For children above 2 years of age, the dosage is 400mg. (single dose).
- The dosage can be given once or twice in a year according to the severity of the disease prevalent in your area.
- Deworming is safe with least side-effects, ensure that your children are dewormed at least once in a year to prevent Helminthiasis. (worm infestation)
Home Remedies for Deworming
1. Garlic – Crush two cloves of garlic and add to milk. Boil the milk, strain and drink every morning.
2. Raw Papaya – Grate some raw papaya and blend. Mix a tablespoon each of the grated papaya and honey and mix into warm milk. Drink every morning on an empty stomach.
3. Pumpkin Seeds – Boil pumpkin seeds in water for a few minutes. Cover and let it steep. Drain and drink.
4. Bitter Gourd – Mix freshly juiced bitter gourd with honey and warm water and drink a couple of times a day.
5. Neem – Make a paste of neem leaves and mix into a glass of warm water. Drink every morning on an empty stomach.
6. Turmeric – Mix a little turmeric in a glass of buttermilk and drink every day.
7. Carom Seeds/Ajwain – Boil a spoon of ajwain seeds in water for 4-5 minutes. Strain, cool and drink a few times a day.
Please remember that these home remedies are not a substitute for prescription medications.
Ways to Prevent Worm Infestation
- Ensure proper hand hygiene, washing hands before eating and after using the toilet
- Let kids wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’
- Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before consumption
- Cook food thoroughly, especially meat
- Drink only boiled or filtered water; avoid public fountains
- Use clean toilets
- Get kids to wear slippers and shoes when walking outdoors
- Use swimming pools that have proper hygiene standards
Many parents wonder: “I have a clean and hygienic environment at home, should I deworm my children?” The answer is ‘Yes’. It is absolutely necessary to deworm your children because, even though your home is hygienic with good sanitation measures, children are constantly exposed to contaminated environments at school, playgrounds, restaurants, vehicles and others which may lead to infection.
Please note: The article above is only for informational purposes and does not substitute medical advice. Please consult your pediatrician before administering any kind of medicine to your child.
References:
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Hello Doctor
Bendex suspention is given to my 4 years old son before 6 month then again he is suffering from itching around the anus now shall give him same 10ml bendex suspension medicine to him plz help me
Hi Afnan,
Please give the medicine as per the pediatrician’s recommendation only :). If he faces itching, please have a word with the pediatrician and then proceed.
Hi, my baby girl is 3.7yrs old… I gave her Zental 10ml dose in the month of July, now just few days back she was very much uncomfortable and was scratching her back, when checked I saw a tiny worm coming outside n I removed it.. Kindly suggest me what should be done for deworming.
Please try the home remedies given in the article Ash. If it doesn’t reduce, please have a word with your pediatrician.
Hai
I gave albendazol syrup (10ml) to my 4 year old…but he is not pooping…i gave syrup to days back..
Thank you
In general deworming will not cause constipation Sindhu. Please have a word with your pediatrician. You can try the constipation home remedy as well.
Hi,
My son is 14months and I’m planning to give Albendazole syrup. Can you please tell me the right way to give the deworm?
Should we give it after dinner? If yes, whats the prefered duration after dinner?
Can we give breastmilk/water after giving the deworm ?
Will they poo after the medicine?
Will there be any changes in their poo ? Will they pass lose stool ?
Will be really great if you could answer all my questions.
Thanks
Hi,
The side effects might or might not be there. In most babies there will be no change in poop. The medicine can be given after dinner. Your pediatrician can guide you on this dear.
I gave Zentel 400 mg – 10 ml syrup to my 2 years old daughter as per paediatrician advise since then she was suffered with fever and skin allergy.. What should I do next?
Hi Gary,
Please consult with your pediatrician immediately.
my son is 3 yrz and 8 mos. he takes benadryll for 2 days and for his 3rd day is it safe if only quantrel is taken?
Sorry Maya, We can’t advice on medicines. Kindly check with doctor dear.
Hi mam.. my baby is 3.3 years old.. I’ve taken deworming syrup from pediatrician.. can you please tell me at what time we should give it to the child!? Before bedtime or in the morning time!?
Hi Haneefa,
Deworming syrup has to be given before bed time.
My baby is 4 month old. We want to deworm our baby. How much dosage we can give to our baby
Hi,
Deworming is done only after 1 year and please check for prescriptions only from your baby’s pediatrician.
Hi my 2 year old girl had 2 times pinworm infections between the 3 months gap. We already gave her zental syrup 400mg.. Now again she is having pinworms after 3 months. Doctor told us to give the same syrup 3 consecutive days..Is it safe? What to do? Please do reply…
Hi Sheena,
You can follow your doctor’s advice dear.
Is it safe to give milk soon after giving deworming medicine for a one year old?
Hi Valancia,
You should maintain 30 minutes – 1 hour gap between medication and milk so that both doesn’t have any interaction with each other.
But if it’s possible avoid milk or giving any medication next time after feeding milk on daily basis.
I don’t know how worms affected my baby. I am giving him boiled water, before including vegetables and fruits in his food I thoroughly wash them, using only sterilised feeding bottles and utensils, wash my hands properly before preparing his food.
Pls suggest Home remedy for deworming 10 months baby.
Hi Ashu,
The above given remedies, which involves no honey or milk can be given for your baby. But please consult with the pediatrician once and then proceed.
My name Nancy my girl has a white spot in her face what is good for that white spot
Hi Nancy,
Please check on the link for general remedies to cure white spots. We won’t be able to give complete guidance without physically examining the white spot. Kindly take her to a dermatologist. Link – https://bit.ly/2uMqD19
Thanks for the information. It really helps
Welcome dear.
Thank you so much for the information
Hi Grace,
You are most welcome dear 🙂
Hello doc Heema,
Thank you for all your efforts to make life of parents easy with your wisdom. My 5.5 years old son is suffering from acute constipation. Please suggest food habits and food that’ll help cure this situation.
Thank you
Hi Medha,
Thank you for the appreciation dear. Here is the link with home remedies for constipation. Please use according to baby’s age. Link – https://goo.gl/C5Pvfq
Hello Doctor Hema ..
fpr how many days shld we follow the home remedy… does vepankozhundhu paste works well for this ..
Hi,
Yes, Neem paste works good on intestinal worms. You can give it continuously for a week.
My son is 2.7 years old he usually get affected with pinworms I have him 5ml dose in October is it k to given another 5ml in December as i can see worms near his anal.
Hi Halima,
Please check with the baby’s pediatrician once and then proceed.
My two sons one 8and other 13 yr old can l give them deworming med Nemocid
Hi Sunil,
Please check with your pediatrician once before giving any prescription for kids.
Deworming suspension should be given in n8 or morning for kids
Hi Srividhya,
Deworming medicine has to be given after dinner.
Hi, a skin doctor has prescribed medicine to my 17month old baby, the medicine are Ivermectin & Albendazole Oral suspension 10ml & Fusys DT 5mg. My question is that is it good to give these medicines to my 17month old baby. Plz suggest me.
Hi,
Please help with the details of the skin problem your baby had.
hello doctor my boy is one year should i give zentle suspension
Hi,
Yes deworming can be done for 1 year old. But kindly confirm with the baby’s pediatrician before proceeding with the prescription.
My child is 4 years old. We gave her zental 10 ml dose as every 6 months I give her deworming also she was scratching and having stomach pain and headache. But then we came to know it was because of viral infection. So now should we again give zental after 15 days or that dose will be effective?
Hi,
It’s better to consult once with the baby’s pediatrician dear.
Can I use zente suspension for my two month baby who dosage for
Hi,
Kindly get your pediatrician’s suggestion on this.
My doctor has recommended Albendazole IP 400 mg to my kid of 5 months .
Should I don’t give him .
Please reply ASAP
Hi Alok,
Please go for second opinion as the prescription is not convincing.
pls madam deworming my baby girl and she is 3yrs should I give her the tanzol 10ml all the medicin
Hi Solomon,
Yes, deworming has to be done, as the baby is 3 years. Kindly get the prescription from your pediatrician before proceeding.
Hi, my 6months old boy got a rush on his left leg, it starts from his heel to upper thigh, and it seems to be following a line, we took him to a nearby clinic and they put him on Albendazole and Cetirizine. Am wondering if it’s okay for a 6months old to take these syrups.
Hi Gabriel,
Kindly get second opinion and take it further. Check with a skin specialist also.
Hi Doctor.. My son is 9years old and he always have white patches on skin I consulted many doctors but of no use.. It is as usual I wanted to know what might be the reason behind it. He also gets his eye infection very frequently.. Plz advice
Hi Asma,
It won’t be possible to give suggestions without physically examining the baby. Kindly get second opinion.
I gave my 2year old albendazole with his milk as he is picky with food and unfamiliar tasting beverages.
I gave during the day.
What can i expect to see..or what should i be looking for regarding my 2year old now that i gave the worm out?
Hi,
The deworming treatment has very few side effects. There may be some mild side effects like dizziness, nausea, headache, and vomiting, all likely due to the worms being passed through the child’s body. These side effects disappear after some time. Many babies will find no side effects. Side effects are usually experienced by children with high infections. If symptoms do not go away within 24 hours, or if they are very severe, the child is probably experiencing something unrelated to the treatment and should be taken to the nearest health facility.
Need to know medicine and dosage for my son of 3 years old with g6pd deficiency.
Hi,
Kindly consult with pediatrician for prescriptions.
Pls Doc. I dewormed my child of about 20months of age on January 2018, but now, he has been stooling, vomiting, having constant fever, cough, catarrh, in all these Doc. had prescribed augmentin, vit c and multivitamin for him, but those symptoms still persist, Pls Doc. should I deworm him again? Thanks Doc.
Hi Lydia, please consult your doctor on this and deworming is required only once in six months for your baby. Before you decide you should consult your doctor again.
Doing deworming is necessary ??
Hi,
Yes deworming is necessary.
Hi I’m ment to give a tablet to my 8 year old to de worm but he’s had a tummy bug for a few days and is being dick should I still give it to him
I would recommend you confirm with the doctor once.
Hi doctor, I have a 3year 11 months kid , I gave deworming syrup in May 17th 2017 but now in September first week she again started itching her anal area , I checked her stool no worm there, but frequently itching , reduced food intake . Shall I give her the second dosage of deworming syrup in September itself . I have planned to give six months once the deworming medicine but she has itching . Pls kindly reply
My guidance is that you meet a doctor once before giving deworming medicines. thank you
Hello doc,
What is the routine for deworming a 6 year old. My son is not eating his food these days and is always cranky and fussy about eating.
Hi dear, best to consult a doctor before deworming.
Hi. I deworm my son when the was 13 mths. But it was during the day and Inormally hear people say that working should be done at night.
He’s 15 mths now and I think he still has worms. What should I do?
Hi. I deworm my son when the was 13 mths. But it was during the day and I normally hear people say that worming should be done at night.
He’s 15 mths now and I think he still has worms. What should I do?
Hi dear, consult your doctor and deworm again if needed. Deworming medecine should be given after dinner at night
Hi dear, You should give the deworming medicine at night after giving him dinner. Please consult your doctor if you need to deworm your child.
Hi, can a G6PD deficient child be given deworming tablet? thanks in advance
Not without doctor’s consultation dear.
Will give deworming medicine when the children eating antibiotic please reply
No dear.
Doc, I have a 16 months old baby girl and last night she was so irritated and uneasy scratching her anal part, thinking that maybe she needs a diaper change as I open her diaper to change I had seen the threadworm on her anal area.
Dear Child would require inspection of the anal part and stool examination and pediatric opinion for medicine.
Hi doctor, my son is 3 year old and as per doctor’s prescription i gave my child zentel oral suspension(single dose) 5 days back… after taking medicine he started vomiting the next day morning, and he is having fever from past 4 days.. i consulted doctor thrice but he said its viral fever… his stool is also not normal, i even had his stool test done but no use ….what to do, m very worried
Hi Vanu, only your doctor will be able to help you suitably for your child’s sickness as he has examined your child. Please consult your doctor again if your worried.
Hi doctor.. My son is 1 year and 2 months old, Can I mix albendazole to his milk?
HI, please try mixing with water and give instead.
Hi I deformed my two year child two days back. He is not eating anything after that. Nothing except milk. Plus he is having upset stomach.
I meant dewormed
Hello Yogita, There is no direct co relation between deworming and the little one not eating anything. Hope by now the baby is taking his normal diet, as the change could be due to weather or heat also. Please continue to offer variety of foods /fruits to baby and he should be fine.
Hello Yogita, There is no direct co relation between deworming and the little one not eating anything. Hope by now the baby is taking his normal diet, as the change could be due to weather or heat also. Please continue to offer variety of foods /fruits to baby and he should be fine.
Hello,my baby is 13month old.recently she has stopped eating anything except breast milk.its taking a toll on her health.should I give her albendazol oral suspension to her and in what amount.
Sorry, missed on replying the messages. For anything urgent you can also reach me on our facebook page messages https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleMoppet/
Hope the little one is doing well by now.
My kid is 10 yrs old now ..since one month of his birth he is having worms problems.. Many times deworming s being done and in home also good hygiene is maintained.. So how long this problem will remain.. Thanks
Deworming can be done every 3 months or so. Please check if your son is washing his hands before having anything to eat. If it persists you must consult a pediatrician for advice
Hi doctor ,
My daughter is 3 years 9 months, what is the best time to give deworm medicines morning or night time?
HI, night time after dinners is the time to give deworming medicines
Hello doctor,my daughter of 4 year has cough for some days,I’v given her erythromycine with a cough syrup and vit.c but she is still coughing especially at night her with nose blocked,what should I do?
Doctor if my child has not worm infection no such sympotom i fine it is nessassry to deworm my child he is 18months old
Yes you can deworm routinely too
Can I deworm my 1yr old baby DT refuses to eat solids except breastmilk
Pls Doctor, my one year and four months baby vomits frequently and he has not taken any worm medication since he was born, what do I do now? Thanks. Faith
Hi, my child was given deworming via a visit of Department of Health by my son’s school. I did however not give permission to this, as I had dewormed my son 3 months prior to this visit. Now I am really concerned about my son’s health. Are there anything to be worried about being dewormed in a 3 month’s time period.
Thank you Chanelle
doc is it okie to deworm my child in rainy season?
I have read about the amount of side effects Albendazole oral suspension has. Which my concern is wouldn’t it not be so safe for a 2 year old? Does all deworm medicine have these same side effect?
Hi Doctor,
I’m really happy to found your website.Well,I have few doubts and I hope you would help me.I have 3 kids among them the 2nd one is always affecting with worm infection which is very frequently ,I’ve tried all measures each time I do de worming I used to wash her cloths separately in anti septic soap,including bedsheets all,I do pay full attention to her personnel hygiene but irrespective of all these measures she is getting infected very soon.I consulted my paediatrion and he gave nemocid,After couple of weeks again it’s back.kindly tell me what to do?
Hey, i have spent two years without deworming my four year old girl. Recently she got a bacterial infection and after completing treatment, the doctor advised for deworming…A practising pharmacist advised me to give her one dose a day for three days..kindly advise.
Dear Joy,
Deworm as per your doctors advice, I am not sure what medication your pharmacist suggested, better consult with your paed
Hi doc, my son is one year old now. Doctor has advised to deworm my baby. Which time should I give the medicine, either morning or at nighttime?? Another one doubt Dr.. whether my baby will suffer from dysentery or vomiting after giving deworming?? Plz suggest
hi doc is it ok to take antibiotic and Mebendazole at the same time? its my daughter Pediatrician prescription and deworming is only one doze at night. is it good to take at the same time? hoping for a reply
Dear docor,
I dewormed my 3yr old son in Mar 16 using Zentel suspension 10mg each for 2 doses. Again now after 3 months, every night I see one pinworm stuck in the anal area because of which he is unable to sleep.
I know the cause – He sucks his thumb once in a while, which Im trying to get rid of.
Can I once again deworm him in less than 3 months. Thank you
i want to give deworming dose to my daughter 2.8 yrs .pls let me know which medicine is preferable. till date she had not taken anything for deworming. She has been going to play school since last 1 yr.
Dear Satpathy,
Albendazole can be given, but it is always best to consult your paediatrician and then administer the medicine
i want to give deworming dose to my daughter 2.8 yrs .pls let me know which medicine is preferable. till date she had not taken anything for deworming. She has been going to play school since last 1 yr.
Gud day doc.. It is safe to deworm even my baby is having a cough.?? Pls answer
I gave my son 2years+ zentel (albendazole) the following day he starts vomiting. he has vomited 3times in 3days and stomach is slightly bloated. could this be side effect? pls help
Dear Pat,
Yes it would be the side effect of albendazole, please consult your paediatrician asap, though it is self limiting
hi. Doc. is it safe if i deworm my child even if she has a flu? thanks
Dear Samantha,
Though it is safe, you can wait till the flu is down
Hi doc,my daughter is not eating anything, she is just on Brest feeding and nothing she eats, she is 13 months now, can I deworm her and prescribe the syrup name please,.
HI DOC THANKS FOR D GUDWORK. I USE ZENTEL TO DEWORM MY KIDS BUT MOST TIMES IT DOES TAKE UP TO 3MONTHS BEFORE THEY GET INFECTED AGAIN AND NOW IS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS CAN I DEWORM THEM AGAIN?
Hi Carol,
No it is not advisable to deworm so frequently, instead, try to find the source of infection and eradicate it
I saw 2 time My 10+ month baby girl stool pinworm,doctor give me pa-pa syp,but I don’t give her.what should I do plz tell me suggestions.
Hi Prasanta,
It is best to follow your paediatrician advice, in addition to maintenance of cleanlinesses and wash all clothes and baby toys frequently
I tried to give my 3 years 6month kid dworm medicine 10ml..single dose.two days before..but the moment i gave..out of crying ..he vomited al..
so can i repeat the same.medicine with 10ml.single dose
Yes you can repeat it Savitha
Hi Dr since my 7 months girl baby is keeping everything in her mouth. And at times stressing any deworming should be given?
Hi Dhivya,
Deworming is not advised for babies less than 1 year,
Hi,
I know this is an old post, still commenting and hoping for a reply. Btw I came across your site today. Its great and I am glad to find it.
I wanted to know isn’t pinworms common in India? Can they be eradicated with Albemdazole? My doctor suspected my three year old daughter to have them and suggested I give her Nemocid. I gave her once( with a repeat dose after 14 days). My question is now when I do her regular deworming treatment should I give her Nemocid or Albemdazole? Also my doctor suggests every three monthly treatment. Is it safe to deworm that often?
Hi rati,
Pinworms (round worms) are also common in India, but seldom a definite diagnosis is made, as many do not go in for a lab test, I don’t know why your suspected Pinworm infestation, usually one course is sufficient to control pinworms, It is better to stick to twice a year deworming, also since I haven’t seen the patient, I will not be able to know why your pead suggested 3 monthly deworming.
My child was given only a vitamin suppliment only for twelve month bt her card also record dat she was given deworming treatment where else not,can I still go to pharmacy and buy or leave it or dat drop given is for deworming too,I’m a first tym mother so I’m clueless in this things,plz help
Hi Kedi, you can buy the deworming, you have to just give one dose in the night preferably