Whipworm infection

To treat whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) infection, use:

1albendazole orally, daily for 3 daysalbendazolealbendazolealbendazole

adult: 400 mg. For dosage adjustment in adults with kidney impairment, see albendazole dosage adjustment

child 6 months or older and 10 kg or more: 400 mg

child 6 months or older and less than 10 kg: 200 mg

OR

2mebendazole 100 mg (child 10 kg or less: 50 mg) orally, 12-hourly for 3 days.mebendazolemebendazolemebendazole

Treatment with albendazole or mebendazole reduces worm burden but is often not curative, and reinfection is common in communities where whipworm is endemic. Worm burden correlates with associated morbidity, such as anaemia, gastrointestinal disturbance, stunted growth and, rarely, rectal prolapse. Community deworming programs (see Community deworming programs) and housing and hygiene initiatives are important public health measures for reducing whipworm infection morbidity.