Deworming drugs in Nigeria are relatively cheap, like in most part of the world. This is probably due to the fact they are not medications one use often. Deworming drugs are important as they help to prevent some health conditions that may result from the presence of parasitic worms in the body. It is especially important in children as they may have less ability to withstand the stress parasitic worms can cause.
Deworming drugs in Nigeria are mostly used orally and people don’t usually consult doctors before they purchase them, except in cases where the symptoms of parasite infestation are severe. Deworming drugs are readily available in pharmacies and local drug stores. However, ensure you are purchasing the authentic deworming drug to avoid medical complication that may arise from using counterfeit drugs.
In this article, we will highlight the deworming drugs that you can easily purchase in drug stores in Nigeria. You will also get an idea of what their prices and dosage is. However, before then, you will be informed on the importance of deworming.
Why use Deworming Drugs in Nigeria?
Parasites are a part of life, even within the human body, but they can be a liability, and cause some damages that need to be stopped as soon as possible. Without the presence of parasitic worms, deworming drugs won’t be needed.
In Nigeria, where majority of the populace love to eat meat that requires hard pulling, especially when they are under-cooked, there is a high occurrence of parasitic worms in our intestines. Worms are easily gotten from eating cow meat, pork, even catfish, that has not been properly cooked to kill off these worms. Also, worms get to the body due to poor hygiene and contact with contaminated soil and feces.
However, with the use of deworming drugs, they can be killed and expelled from the body.
Types of Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms may be present as one or both of these types in the body, sucking off the body’s supply of nutrient.
- Roundworms, such as hookworms, pinworms, and ascaris.
- Flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes.
They can be found in different parts of the body, ranging from the intestine to the liver. They will ordinarily be anywhere they can have access to nutrition at your detriment.
Symptoms of Intestinal Worms Infestation
Parasitic worms in the body consume nutrients that should be used for your nourishment, thereby causing some nutrient deficiencies and symptoms that align with malnutrition, only that you eat well but something else is getting the nourishment.
Here are some of the symptoms that show parasitic worm infestation.
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Itching around the vulva or rectum
- Dysentery
It is also common for a person with intestinal worm infestation to carry on for years without showing symptoms while sometimes, there might be worms present in their stool.
Deworming Drugs in Nigeria
Here is a list of deworming drugs in Nigeria, including their prices and dosage.
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel is an oral suspension used to treat different forms of worm infestation. It is effective in the treatment of worms such as hookworm, pinworm, and roundworm. It is available over the counter and can be used to treat pinworm by the affected person. However, it should be used based on a doctor’s instruction when used to treat other intestinal worm infestations.
It works by paralyzing the worms and making them part of the stool material. They are therefore passed out of the body with your stool.
It is not suitable for use in children under the age of 2 years.
Price
400 Naira.
Dosage
When self-treating for pinworm, a single dose, not exceeding 1 gram is sufficient. For treatment against other worms, follow your doctor’s instruction. However, if symptoms do not cease after the treatment against pinworms, consult your doctor.
Levamisole
Levamisole is another anthelminthic that is effective against intestinal worms. It is also used to treat other conditions that affect the skin. It was formerly used in the treatment of colon cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and against bacterial and viral infections.
It works by rendering the male parasite unable to reproduce, thereby drastically reducing the population of intestinal worms, and their absence altogether when they die.
It is advised that this medication be used on an empty stomach and should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is absorbed into the system in about 2 hours.
Price
300 naira
Dosage
A single dose to be repeated after 7 days in case of severe hookworm infestation
Zentel
Zentel is an anti-parasitic medication, used to treat intestinal worm infestation. It blocks the absorption of glucose in the worms, thereby making them starve to death. It is a chewable tablet that also works as an antibiotic.
It may be used with or without food but it causes side effects such as dizziness, nausea, increased liver enzymes, and so on.
Price
700 Naira
Dosage
A single dose (400 mg) for parasitic worm treatment.
Zolat
Zolat is an anthelmint whose active ingredient is Albendazole. It is used to treat the infestation of parasitic worm such as pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms, threadworms, roundworms, and so on.
It is available in tablets and suspension form, with the former suitable for adults and the latter for children under 2 years of age.
Price
200 Naira
Dosage
A single dose of 400 mg tablets for Adults and children above 2 years old. A single dose of 10 ml suspension for children below 2 years old.
Combantrin
Combantrin is a common intestinal worm treatment medication in Nigeria. It is one of the deworming drugs in Nigeria that has been in use since the older generation. This means it has stood the test of time and remains effective as ever.
Its active ingredient is Mebendazole and it works by preventing parasitic worms from absorbing glucose. In other words, it makes them starve till they day in days. The dead parasites may be passed with your stool
Price
350 Naira
Dosage
One tablet for a single dose.
Conclusion
Parasitic worms exist in our intestine as a result of what we eat, to what extent they are cooked, and the hygiene we practice. It is common for children to be constantly in contact with the soil, therefore, they are more susceptible to parasitic worm infestation.
The deworming drugs in this article are meant to help you eliminate the adult intestinal worms that have been depriving you of the full nutrients you should get from your meals. They deal with adult worms alone, therefore, you may need to repeat your dosage in two to four weeks to kill the worms that were juvenile or yet to hatch when you took the first dosage.