MedicineNet.com

thiabendazole-oral, Mintezol

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: THIABENDAZOLE - ORAL (thigh-ah-BEN-dah-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Mintezol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat roundworm infections such as threadworm, hookworm/creeping eruption (cutaneous larva migrans), and visceral larva migrans (toxocariasis). This medication is also used for other types of roundworm infections such as pinworm, whipworm, large roundworm (ascariasis), and trichinosis when other therapies have failed or are unavailable.

HOW TO USE: This medication is generally taken by mouth, twice daily after meals, or as directed by your doctor. The tablet formulation must be chewed before swallowing. If taking the oral liquid, shake well before each dose. Your dosage is dependent upon your weight. Cutaneous larva migrans may also be treated topically. Your pharmacist will prepare a lotion or ointment for you if so prescribed. It is important that you take this medication for the prescribed duration. The duration of your therapy will depend on the type of infection and your response to treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: seizures, tingling of hands/feet, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: ringing in the ears, vision changes, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, fatigue, increased thirst, change in the amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used as prophylactic treatment for pinworms or any other worm infections. This medication should not be used if you have a mixed infection with the Ascaris type of roundworm. This drug may cause the Ascaris worms to spread in your body, and possibly appear in your nose and mouth. Contact your doctor if this should occur. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, dehydration, poor nutrition, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.