Mebendazole (Vermox) tablets
What are mebendazole tablets?
MEBENDAZOLE (Vermox®) is an anthelmintic. This medicine treats parasitic (worm) infections from roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, whipworms, or infections with two or more of these worms. Generic mebendazole tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take mebendazole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Crohn’s disease
inflammatory bowel disease
liver disease
ulcerative colitis
an unusual or allergic reaction to mebendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take mebendazole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Mebendazole works best when taken with food, especially fatty foods such as whole milk, cheese, or ice cream. You can chew the tablets, swallow them whole or crush and mix with food (such as ice cream or pudding) which is an easy way to give the tablets to children. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Space your doses evenly through the day and night and take at the same time each day. Parasite (worm) death can be slow. To remove all parasites (worms) from the intestines can take several days.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. You must leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking one dose a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with mebendazole?
carbamazepine
phenytoin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking mebendazole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
fever or chills, sore throat
rash, itching
unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
nausea, vomiting
ringing in the ears
stomach pain, which can occur when large numbers of worms are present
What should I watch for while taking mebendazole?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional to check that your infection has gone. If you still have an infection after 3 weeks you may need a second course of tablets.
If you have hookworms or whipworms you may be anemic. Check with your prescriber or health care professional to see if you need iron supplements.
If you have pinworms other people in your house may need treatment. Pinworms are spread easily by close contact.
Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder bedclothes, linens, and undergarments. This will help keep other family members from getting infected. Disinfect the toilet every day, and damp mop the floors often to reduce the number of worm eggs.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 9/1/2005 12:36:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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