Mebendazole (Systemic)

Brand Names : Vermox

Proper Use of This Medicine

Mebendazole usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.

No special preparations or other steps (for example, special diets, fasting, other medicines, laxatives, or enemas) are necessary before, during, or immediately after taking mebendazole.

Mebendazole tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food.

For patients taking mebendazole for hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms :

• To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor for the full time of treatment . In some patients a second course of this medicine may be required to clear up the infection completely. Do not miss any doses .

For patients taking mebendazole for pinworms :

• To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor . A second course of this medicine is usually required to clear up the infection completely.
• Pinworms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially in a household. Therefore, all household members may have to be treated at the same time. This helps to prevent infection or reinfection of other household members. Also, all household members may have to be treated again in 2 to 3 weeks to clear up the infection completely.

For patients taking mebendazole for infections in which high doses are needed:

• Mebendazole is best taken with meals, especially fatty ones (for example, meals that include whole milk or ice cream) . This helps to clear up the infection by helping your body absorb the medicine better. However, if you are on a low-fat diet, check with your doctor .

Dosing - The dose of mebendazole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of mebendazole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking mebendazole .

• For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
  • For common roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and over - 100 milligrams (mg) two times a day, morning and evening, for three days. Treatment may need to be repeated in two to three weeks.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For pinworms:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and over - 100 mg once a day for one day. Treatment may need to be repeated in two to three weeks.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For more than one worm infection at a time:
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and over - 100 mg two times a day, morning and evening, for three days.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.