Mebendazole

What is mebendazole?

Mebendazole is a type of medicine against worms (an anthelmintic).

Mebendazole comes in tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food or chewed after a meal.

What is mebendazole used for?

In general, mebendazole is prescribed to fight worm infestations or infections. It is effective for a variety of worm infections, such as:

• Intestinal worms (Enterobius vermicularis)

• hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanis)

• Intestinal worms (Strongyloides stercoralis and others)

• you hadTaenia solium)

• earthwormsTrichuris trichiura)

How effective is mebendazole?

Mebendazole is highly effective in eliminating intestinal worm infections. The drug works by blocking the ability of adult worms to grow and acquire the nutrients necessary for survival. As a result, their digestive functions are disrupted and the worms eventually die.

One or more doses may be necessary depending on the type of worm infestation, its severity and the risk of reinfection.

What are the side effects of mebendazole?

Mebendazole is generally well tolerated. Patients with severe worm infestation may have diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain as the worms are killed and excreted. Other side effects may include drowsiness, itching, headache, and dizziness.

Although rare, there have been serious allergic reactions associated with mebendazole including anaphylaxis, urticaria, morbilliform eruption and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

If you develop Adverse reactions While taking mebendazole, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and stop taking the medicine.

The use of mebendazole is not recommended for children under 1 year.

Can I take mebendazole in pregnancy?

This medicine is considered a category B3 medicine. This means that its safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. It is best not to use it during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. However, your doctor will consider the best management option to maximize the potential benefit to you and minimize the possible risk to the fetus.

What precautions are necessary with mebendazole?

The dose of mebendazole may need to be adjusted in patients taking other medications or who have liver or intestinal disease.

Discuss your treatment with your doctor.