Infections
Medicines for Roundworm infection
A common intestinal worm infection worldwide, caught from contaminated food or soil — often symptomless and easily treated with anti-worm medicine.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Roundworm infection?
Roundworm infection (ascariasis) is one of the most common worm infections worldwide, though uncommon in countries with good sanitation. It is caused by a large roundworm and is caught by swallowing the worm's eggs, usually from food, water, hands or soil contaminated with human faeces — for example where sanitation is poor.
- How it is treated: Roundworm infection is treated with anti-parasitic (anti-worm) medicine, which clears the worms and is usually very effective; heavy infections or complications (such as a blockage) occasionally need additional treatment.
- Self-care: Thorough handwashing (especially before eating and after the toilet), safe food and water, washing fruit and vegetables, and good sanitation all treat and prevent roundworm.
- When to seek help: See a GP if you pass a worm, or have persistent digestive symptoms after possible exposure (such as travel to an area with poor sanitation), so it can be tested for and treated.
What it is
Roundworm infection (ascariasis) is one of the most common worm infections worldwide, though uncommon in countries with good sanitation. It is caused by a large roundworm and is caught by swallowing the worm's eggs, usually from food, water, hands or soil contaminated with human faeces — for example where sanitation is poor. After being swallowed, the eggs hatch and the larvae travel through the body before maturing into adult worms in the intestine. Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include tummy discomfort, nausea, and, with heavy infections, more significant digestive symptoms or, rarely, a blockage; during the phase when larvae pass through the lungs, some people get a cough or wheeze. Sometimes a worm is passed in the stool or, occasionally, coughed up. It is diagnosed by finding eggs in the stool. Most infections are mild and easily treated.
How it is treated
Roundworm infection is treated with anti-parasitic (anti-worm) medicine, which clears the worms and is usually very effective; heavy infections or complications (such as a blockage) occasionally need additional treatment. Good hygiene — thorough handwashing, safe food and water, and good sanitation — treats and prevents it, and is central where the infection is common. For travellers, safe food and water practices and hand hygiene reduce the risk. Because it relates to sanitation, in areas where it is common, public-health measures and sometimes community deworming programmes are used. The reassuring message is that roundworm infection is usually mild and easily treated with anti-worm medicine, and good hygiene prevents it.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Roundworm infection
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Thorough handwashing (especially before eating and after the toilet), safe food and water, washing fruit and vegetables, and good sanitation all treat and prevent roundworm. Safe food and water practices when travelling help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you pass a worm, or have persistent digestive symptoms after possible exposure (such as travel to an area with poor sanitation), so it can be tested for and treated. Seek prompt care for severe tummy pain or signs of a blockage.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Roundworm infection: frequently asked questions
How do you get roundworm?
By swallowing the worm's eggs, usually from food, water, hands or soil contaminated with human faeces — most common where sanitation is poor. It is uncommon in countries with good sanitation.
How is roundworm treated?
With anti-parasitic (anti-worm) medicine, which is usually very effective, along with good hygiene to prevent reinfection. Heavy infections or complications occasionally need extra treatment.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Worms in humans
- TravelHealthPro guidance
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