Pinworm medicines generally start working soon after you take them, but it can take several days to kill all the worms. Most guidelines recommend a follow-up dose after about 2 weeks to cover any worms that hatched from eggs and to reduce reinfection risk. Here are the common points you should know:
- How long it acts: The medication begins to work quickly, but you may not feel complete relief for several days as worms die off and are cleared from the body. Plan for a window of a few days to a couple of weeks for full effect.
- Two-dose approach: Many treatments use a first dose, then a second dose about 2 weeks later to kill worms that survived the first round or that hatch from eggs afterward. This helps prevent reinfection.
- Eggs and reinfection: The medicine usually does not kill eggs, so strict hygiene and environmental cleaning are important to prevent re-infection. A second dose after 2 weeks targets worms that hatch after the first treatment.
- When to expect itching relief: Itching from pinworms often improves within about 5 to 7 days after treatment, but some people notice it for a little longer. Complete symptom resolution may take longer in some cases.
- Household approach: Since pinworms are highly contagious, many guidelines advise treating all household members at the same time and continuing good hygiene (handwashing, regular bath/shower, washing bed linens and towels) to reduce spread. A second treatment dose is commonly recommended for all in the household if exposure is ongoing.
If you’re using a specific product (such as mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole), follow the exact dosing and timing instructions on the package or from the clinician. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks after the initial treatment, or you’re unsure about dosing, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
