Treatment:

Tapeworms are treated with medications taken by mouth, usually in a single dose. The drug of choice for tapeworm infections is niclosamide. Praziquantel and albendazole can also be used.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment, the tapeworm infection goes away.

Complications:

Rarely, worms may cause obstruction of the intestine.

If T. solium larvae migrate to the brain, they can cause seizures and other neurological problems. This condition is called cysticercosis.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you pass something in your stool that looks like a white worm.