Family Dewormer
Commonly treated with Mebendazole, Albendazole & Ivermectin
Intestinal worm infections — most commonly pinworms — spread easily between members of the same household, which is why treatment is often recommended for the whole family at once. Prescription deworming medication is available online after a licensed provider reviews your health information. A pharmacist verifies every order before it ships.
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Order Family Dewormer Treatment Online
Medically reviewed by David Paul Mackarey, RPh, Pharmacist-in-Charge — Last updated July 15, 2026
Choosing and Using Your Treatment
| Treatment | Choose this if… | How to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin/Mebendazole 18mg/200mg | Standard first-line choice for pinworm and other common intestinal worms in adults. | Take 1 capsule by mouth daily for 30 days (do not take with metrondiazole). |
| Albendazole 200mg | A broad-spectrum alternative that covers pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm infections. | Take 2 capsules by mouth once as a single dose, then repeat 2 capsules once after 2 weeks. |
About Family Dewormer (Intestinal worm infection (helminth infection))
Intestinal worms (helminths) are parasites that live in the digestive tract. In the United States, pinworm is by far the most common type, especially in school-age children, while roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infections are seen more often after travel or exposure to contaminated soil. Worm eggs are swallowed after touching contaminated surfaces, food, or hands, and infections pass easily among people who live together. Many infections cause mild or no symptoms, but pinworms often cause intense itching around the anus at night. Because eggs survive on bedding, clothing, and household surfaces, one family member can quickly reinfect others. Treating everyone in the household at the same time, along with careful hygiene, is the standard approach to breaking the cycle.
Signs & symptoms
- Itching around the anus, especially at night
- Restless sleep or irritability
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea or changes in bowel habits
- Visible small white worms in stool or around the anus
- Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
- Vaginal itching in girls and women (with pinworms)
Causes & risk factors
- Swallowing worm eggs after touching contaminated hands or surfaces
- Close contact with an infected family member or classmate
- Scratching the anal area and transferring eggs to the mouth (reinfection)
- Eating food or drinking water contaminated with worm eggs
- Contact with contaminated soil, common with hookworm and roundworm
- Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with an infected person
- Nail biting or thumb sucking, which carries eggs to the mouth
Prevention
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating
- Keep fingernails short and avoid nail biting
- Shower in the morning to remove eggs laid overnight
- Wash bedding, pajamas, and towels in hot water during treatment
- Change underwear daily and avoid sharing towels
- Clean bathroom surfaces and vacuum bedrooms regularly
- Treat all household members at the same time to prevent reinfection
When to see a doctor
Online treatment is a good fit for suspected or confirmed pinworm infections and for routine household deworming when symptoms are mild and clearly consistent with a common intestinal worm. See a provider in person if symptoms persist after a full course of treatment, if there is significant weight loss, blood in the stool, or ongoing abdominal pain, or if the affected person is pregnant, under age 2, or has a weakened immune system. Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of intestinal blockage, or a high fever — these need immediate in-person evaluation.
Why Households Are Treated Together
Pinworm eggs are microscopic and can survive on bedding, clothing, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces for up to two to three weeks. When one family member is infected, others in the household are frequently exposed before any symptoms appear. Treating only one person often leads to a cycle of reinfection, which is why providers commonly recommend treating everyone in the home at the same time, along with washing linens in hot water and thorough handwashing during the treatment period.
Human Dewormers vs. Pet Dewormers
Deworming products sold for dogs, cats, or livestock are not formulated, dosed, or approved for human use, and taking them can be dangerous. Human deworming medications are prescribed at doses studied and approved for people.
| Medication | Commonly Used For | Typical Course |
|---|---|---|
| Mebendazole | Pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm | Single dose, often repeated after 2 weeks |
| Albendazole | Broad range of intestinal worms | Single dose, often repeated after 2 weeks |
| Ivermectin | Strongyloidiasis; certain other parasites | Single weight-based dose |
The right medication depends on the type of worm suspected, age, weight, and health history — a licensed provider will make this determination during review.
Sources & References
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the whole family need to be treated at the same time?
It is often recommended, especially for pinworms. Eggs spread easily on hands, bedding, and household surfaces, so untreated family members can reinfect someone who was just treated. Treating everyone in the household at once, combined with hygiene measures, is the standard way to stop the cycle.
How do worms spread between family members?
Most spread occurs when microscopic eggs are transferred from contaminated hands, bedding, towels, or surfaces to the mouth. Pinworm eggs can remain infectious on surfaces for up to two to three weeks. Frequent handwashing and washing linens in hot water reduce the risk.
Do I need a prescription for dewormer in the United States?
Most standard deworming medications, including mebendazole, albendazole, and ivermectin tablets, require a prescription in the U.S. An over-the-counter pyrantel pamoate product is available for pinworms. A licensed provider can review your information online and prescribe treatment if appropriate.
How do I know if I have pinworms?
The most common sign is itching around the anus at night. Small, thread-like white worms may be visible around the anus or in stool, especially early in the morning. A provider may recommend a simple tape test to confirm the diagnosis.
Can I get worms from my pet?
Pinworms, the most common human worm in the U.S., only infect humans — pets do not carry or spread them. Some other parasites, such as certain roundworms and hookworms, can pass from pets to people through contaminated soil or feces. Keeping pets dewormed by a veterinarian and washing hands after handling animals lowers this risk. Never take medication intended for animals.
How long after treatment are the worms gone?
Deworming medication typically kills adult worms within a few days, and symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks. Because the medicine may not kill eggs, a second dose about two weeks later is often used for pinworms. Contact a provider if symptoms persist after completing the full course.
Why is a second dose given two weeks later?
Medications like mebendazole and albendazole kill adult worms but are less effective against eggs. Eggs swallowed before or during treatment can hatch into new worms. A repeat dose about two weeks later clears these newly hatched worms and helps prevent the infection from returning.
Treatments for Family Dewormer
Find out more information about each treatment.