- Take the Pancreatitis Quiz
- Boost Digestive Health
- Digestive Distress Slideshow: Problem Foods to Avoid
- What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of mebendazole chewable?
- What is the dosage for mebendazole chewable?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with mebendazole chewable?
- Is mebendazole chewable safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about mebendazole chewable?
What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Mebendazole is a member of the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic agents, which also includes thiabendazole, albendazole, and triclabendazole. Mebendazole, like other benzimidazoles, causes death of parasites by interfering with the function of tubulin, an important protein in parasites, and preventing glucose uptake. Mebendazole is active against tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, pinworms, pork worms, and whipworms. The FDA approved mebendazole in June 1974.
Is mebendazole chewable available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for mebendazole chewable?
Yes
What are the side effects of mebendazole chewable?
Mebendazole may cause:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea.
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- headache,
- vomiting,
- chills,
- itching,
- flushing,
- hiccups,
- ringing in the ears,
- low blood pressure,
- bloody urine, and
- a drop in number of blood cells.

QUESTION
Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See AnswerWhat is the dosage for mebendazole chewable?
Recommendations are based on the infecting organism being treated.
- Initial dosing for some hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and whipworm infections is 100 mg twice daily for 3 days.
- Initial dosing for pinworm infection is 100 mg as a single dose. The dose may be repeated in 2 to 3 weeks if needed.
Which drugs or supplements interact with mebendazole chewable?
- Mebendazole should not be used with metronidazole (Flagyl) due to the increased risk of rare but serious life-threatening skin conditions known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol SR, Equetro, Carbatrol), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), ethotoin (Peganone), and phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125) may interfere with successful treatment with mebendazole by decreasing its blood levels.
- Cimetidine (Tagamet) may increase mebendazole levels and increase the risk of side effects from mebendazole.
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Is mebendazole chewable safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Adverse outcomes in animal studies have been observed. Adverse outcomes in human pregnancy have not been seen, however the Centers for Disease Control recommends postponing pinworm therapy until the third trimester when possible.
NURSING MOTHERS: While excretion into breast milk is unlikely, caution should be used since data is not available on excretion of mebendazole into breast milk.
What else should I know about mebendazole chewable?
What preparations of mebendazole chewable are available?
Chewable tablets: 100 mg
How should I keep mebendazole chewable stored?
Mebendazole should be protected from light and stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowSummary
Mebendazole (Vermox, discontinued) is a medication prescribed to treat pork worms, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, pinworms, and whipworms. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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