Mebendazole use in worm infection
Treating certain worm infections (eg, pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, hookworm).
Mebendazole is an anthelmintic agent. It works by killing sensitive worms and causing them to be expelled from the body.
Do NOT use mebendazole if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in mebendazole
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using mebendazole
Some medical conditions may interact with mebendazole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have certain problems resulting from worm infection (eg, hydatid disease)
if others in your home also have worm infection
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with mebendazole. However, no specific interactions with mebendazole are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if mebendazole may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use mebendazole
Use mebendazole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with mebendazole. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take mebendazole by mouth with or without food.
Chew thoroughly before swallowing. Mebendazole may also be crushed and mixed with food.
Wear tight underwear both day and night while taking mebendazole.
If you miss a dose of mebendazole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use mebendazole.
Important safety information
If your symptoms do not get better within 3 weeks, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Pinworm infection spreads easily to family members and close contacts. To prevent reinfection: Disinfect toilet and change and wash underwear, bed linens, towels, clothes, and pajamas daily. Do not shake clothes, towels, or bed linens before washing. Wash hands with soap often during the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Do not scratch the infected area or place your fingers in your mouth. Wear shoes.
The entire household may need to be treated if one individual in the household has pinworms. Check with your doctor for more information.
For several days after treatment with mebendazole, clean the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping. Avoid dry sweeping because it may stir up dust.
LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts and liver function, may be performed while you use mebendazole. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Mebendazole should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Mebendazole may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using mebendazole while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use mebendazole, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of mebendazole
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhoea; stomach pain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hoarseness; seizures; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
