infectious diseases
Hookworm Infection
Treatment of Hookworm Infection
Anthelmintic drugs Intestinal hookworm infection is treated with anthelminthic drugs. One of the following drugs may be used: Albendazole400 mg orally as a single dose Mebendazole100 mg orally twice a day for 3 days or 500 mg as a single dose Pyrantelpamoate 11 mg/kg (maximum dose of 1 g) orally once a day for 3 days These drugs should only be used during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks.Ivermectin, a common anthelmintic, is not effective for intestinal hookworm infection. General support and correction of iron deficiency anemia are needed if infection is heavy. Cutaneous larva migrans is a self-limited infection, but symptoms can last 5 to 6 weeks. Treatment withalbendazole400 mg orally once a day for 3 or 7 days orivermectin200 mcg/kg as a single dose is curative. 