The best way to kill parasites is to use an antiparasitic drug which has been formulated to target the specific parasites involved in an infection. Many pharmacies keep a wide array of such drugs in stock, and for rare infections, people can order specialized drugs from pharmacies which specialize in such products, or directly from government agencies which dispense rare medications. People with limited funds for such drugs may be able to obtain them for free or at reduced cost through government programs and private aid organizations.
When someone suspects that he or she has a parasitic infection, it is important to see a doctor to confirm the presence of the infection and determine which type of parasite is involved. Even if people can see the parasites, as in the case of intestinal parasites passed in the stool, a lot of parasites can look similar, and people without experience may misidentify the parasites, which can complicate treatment. After evaluating a patient, a doctor can determine which organism is causing the infection, and prescribe the appropriate medication.
While generic antiparasitic medications are available, these drugs may not always kill parasites, especially if someone has a rare infection. The most effective drugs are available by prescription only, to ensure that they are used appropriately. After completing a course of medication to kill parasites, the patient may return to the doctor for a follow up to confirm that the parasites have been eliminated, especially if the patient had an infection such as malaria which is associated with drug-resistant organisms which may require a second course of treatment.
There are a number of folk cures which supposedly kill parasites, such as recommendations to eat specific foods, consume herbal preparations, or consume more exotic things like cups of oil or chewing tobacco. These treatments for parasites are not recommended, because at the least, they can be ineffective, allowing the infection to persist and potentially develop complications, and at their worst, they can be very dangerous.
For patients who are strongly opposed to using conventional antiparasitic drugs to kill parasites, a doctor should be consulted to determine which natural remedies would be most appropriate. A naturopathic physician, specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, or medical doctor who is friendly to alternative medical options can identify the parasites involved and recommend a course of treatment. Again, it is important to avoid treatment at home without consultation because misidentification could result in using the wrong treatment.