Is Periodic De-worming Of A Child Advisable?

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

Question: Dear Doctor,

My daughter is 20 months now.

Do I need to (periodically) give some medication to her to get rid of worms? She doesn't have any problem as such though she sometimes show uneasiness and puts finger near the anus area. Asking this since some oldies advised this. Please advise.

Thanks
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I don't recommend periodical use of deworming agent for all

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Welcome to HCM

Periodical use of deworming agent is justified in children of low socioeconomic group with poor hygiene.It has been seen that the chances of worm infestation is more in such children and that may cause poor growth.
But this is not common in children living in urban area with proper hygiene.In such cases deworming agent is indicated only if the history is suggestive of worm infestation (like frequent peri anal itch particularly during night time or detection of worms in stool/peri anal area).
If your baby is itching the peri anal region frequently you may give Albendazole (deworming agent) but this should not be given frequently without any reason.
The dose of Albendazole for 20 month old baby is 200 mg (5 ml syrup contains 200 mg).It should be given with meals for better absorption.

I hope this helps.

I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar