Mebendazole (By mouth)
me-BEN-da-zole
Treats infections caused by worms.
Drug classes
Anthelmintic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Mebendazole is used to treat:
Common roundworms (ascariasis).
Hookworms (ancylostomiasis, necatoriasis, uncinariasis).
Pinworms (enterobiasis, oxyuriasis).
Whipworms (trichuriasis).
Mebendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms. It works by keeping the worm from absorbing sugar (glucose), so that the worm loses energy and dies.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Chewable Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Chewable tablet: You may chew the tablet, swallow it whole, or crush it and mix it with food.
Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how mebendazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to mebendazole.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
To help prevent the infection from coming back:
Wash your hands often, especially before you eat and after you use the toilet. Make sure to wash under your fingernails. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly or cook them well. For several days after your treatment ends, use a vacuum or damp mop to clean the bedroom floor. Avoid sweeping with a dry broom because it may stir up dust. Wash all bedding and any clothes you wear while sleeping. Do not shake these items. Make sure your underwear fits closely and wear it both day and night. Wear a clean pair each day. Be sure to wear shoes. During treatment, clean the toilet seats after each use.Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, stomach pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Emverm, Vermox
There may be other brand names for this medicine.