Mebendazole
About Mebendazole
Mebendazole treats parasite worm infections like pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, hookworm, and other parasites. Parasitic worms are also called intestinal worms or helminths. They live in and feed on the hosts leading to weakness and diseases. Common types of intestinal worms are roundworms and flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes.
Mebendazole contains Mebendazole which works by blocking tubulin polymerization in parasites. This disrupts their metabolism and depletes their energy, ultimately causing immobilization. As a result, Mebendazole effectively kills the susceptible helminths and treats the infection.
Give Mebendazole to your child as prescribed by a doctor. You are advised to give Mebendazole to your child for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your child’s medical condition. They may experience certain common side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, not being hungry, gas, and upset stomach. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if your child experiences these side effects persistently.
Mebendazole might increase the chances of getting an infection; maintain proper hygiene, and try to keep your child away from people with infections, flu or colds. Watch for any unusual bleeding or bruises on your child, as Mebendazole may sometimes make them bruise or bleed more easily. If you notice anything unusual, take your child to see a doctor. Do not give Mebendazole if your child has any allergies, liver problems, or intestinal problems.
Uses of Mebendazole
Medicinal Benefits
Mebendazole belongs to a group of anthelmintic medicines used to treat worm infections such as pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, hookworm, and other parasites. It contains Mebendazole, which works by blocking tubulin polymerization in the parasite. This disrupts its metabolism and depletes its energy, causing the parasite to become immobilized. As a result, Mebendazole kills the parasites and helps treat the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mebendazole
- Stomach pain, discomfort or swelling
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Gas
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
Mebendazole might increase the chances of getting an infection; maintain proper hygiene, and try to keep your child away from people with infections, flu, or colds. Consult your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising in your child as they may bleed or bruise easily while giving Mebendazole. Do not give Mebendazole if your child has any allergies, liver problems, or intestinal problems. Mebendazole can be given to children above 2 years if prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Mebendazole may have interaction with antacid (cimetidine), a drug used to treat epilepsy (carbamazepine), antibiotics (metronidazole), and antivirals (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Mebendazole may have interactions with liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicable-
Pregnancy
not applicable-
Breast Feeding
not applicable-
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
unsafeDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if your child has a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if your child have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedMebendazole can be given to children above 2 years if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regularly wash your child’s hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and while eating.
- Don't give raw fish or meat to eat.
- Thoroughly cook meat before giving your child.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables properly before giving them.
- Wash or reheat food that has been around for a long time.
- Make sure to keep your child away from soil that may be contaminated with faeces.
- Avoid giving foods to your child that have been kept open in the markets as they can be contaminated.
- Give your child boiled and purified water.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood cell count and liver function of your child is advised during treatment with Mebendazole.
- Mebendazole might increase the chances of getting an infection; maintain proper hygiene, and try to keep your child away from people with infections, flu, or colds.
- Watch for any unusual bleeding or bruises on your child, as Mebendazole may sometimes make them bruise or bleed more easily.
- Mebendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
- Mebendazole can increase the risk of bleeding and infection for your child, so frequent medical tests are required.
- While giving Mebendazole to your child close monitoring of liver function is required for every 2 weeks.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parasitic worm infections: Parasitic worms are also called intestinal worms or helminths. They live in and feed on the hosts leading to weakness and diseases. Common types of intestinal worms are roundworms and flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes. Worm infections could occur due to consumption of contaminated water, food or soil, contact with contaminated faeces, poor sanitization, and poor hygiene. Symptoms of worm infections include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and dysentery (bloody stools).
FAQs
Mebendazole is used to treat parasite worm infections like pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, hookworm, and other parasites.
Mebendazole disrupts the parasite’s metabolism and depletes its energy, causing it to become immobilized. This helps Mebendazole kill the susceptible helminths and treat the infection.
It’s important for your child to have their blood checked regularly at the start of treatment with Mebendazole and every two weeks after that. Treatment with Mebendazole should be discontinued if a significant decrease in blood cell count is observed.
Mebendazole might increase the chances of getting an infection in your child. Therefore, maintain proper hygiene and try to keep your child away from people with infections, flu or colds.
Do not stop giving Mebendazole to your child without consulting a doctor first. To help your child get better, continue the medicine for as long as the doctor advises. If your child feels unwell or has any trouble while taking Mebendazole, make sure to tell the doctor.
If you miss a dose of Mebendazole for your child, give it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed one and give the next dose on time. Do not give two doses at once.
Signs of a worm infection in children include symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, itching around the anus, and visible worms in the stools. If you notice any of these signs in your child, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Your child can become infected with intestinal worms by ingesting contaminated food or water, coming into contact with soil or surfaces contaminated with worm eggs, or through poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands after using the toilet.
Deworming is the process of eliminating intestinal worms or parasites from the body, usually through the use of antiparasitic medications like Mebendazole.
Yes, other medicines can generally be given at the same time as Mebendazole if advised by the doctor. However, it is important to consult your doctor before giving it to your child to avoid potential interactions. Please inform your doctor if your child is taking antacids (such as cimetidine), a drug used to treat epilepsy (such as carbamazepine), antibiotics (such as metronidazole), or antivirals (such as ritonavir).
Give Mebendazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Mebendazole can be given once or twice daily as advised by the doctor based on the type of worm infection being treated.
You should not give Mebendazole if your child is allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, avoid giving Mebendazole if your child has liver or intestinal problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns while giving Mebendazole to your child.
Mebendazole is generally considered safe for children over 2 years old when used as directed by your doctor. However, Mebendazole should not be used in children under 1 year old for the treatment of gastrointestinal infestations, as it may increase the risk of convulsions.
Mebendazole usually starts working immediately after ingestion. However, it may take several days to completely kill all the worms. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment, as stopping the medication early could result in recurring infections.
Mebendazole is generally used to treat existing parasitic worm infections rather than preventing them. Please talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent reinfection and stop the infection from spreading to others.
The common side effects of Mebendazole include stomach pain, discomfort or swelling, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, gas, and nausea. If your child experiences these side effects persistently, please inform your doctor.
Yes, worm infections are contagious. Household members can be infected by touching things/areas that may be contaminated, like bedding, towels, or toys. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands often and cleaning regularly, can help prevent the infection from spreading.
Yes, Mebendazole can be taken with food. However, it is important to wash your hands and fingernails thoroughly before eating to prevent the spread or recurrence of infection. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor.
