WERMNIL PLUS TAB

• Albendazole covers roundworm, hookworm, threadworm, whipworm and tapeworm.
• Ivermectin adds cover against Strongyloides, filarial worms and ectoparasites such as scabies and lice.
• The combination is markedly more effective against whipworm than albendazole alone.
• Used together in mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, a major public health programme in India.
• A single dose covers a broad range of parasites, which matters where follow-up is uncertain.

Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.

• Contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly the first trimester. Exclude pregnancy before treating a woman of childbearing potential.
• Use with caution in patients who may have loiasis from travel or residence in Central Africa, where ivermectin can precipitate a serious encephalopathic reaction.
• Fever, itching, rash and swollen glands after treatment usually reflect dying parasites rather than drug allergy, but need assessment if severe.
• Not recommended in children below the weight or age stated on the label.
• Prolonged or repeated courses require monitoring of liver function and full blood count.
• Treat all household members simultaneously for threadworm and repeat after two weeks.
• Chew or take with a fatty meal to improve albendazole absorption; take ivermectin on an empty stomach where the prescriber directs.
• Use in breastfeeding only on medical advice.