Generic Name: mebendazole
Brand Name: Vermox (discontinued)
Drug Class: Anthelmintics
What is mebendazole chewable, and what is it used for?
Mebendazole is a prescription medication that is active against tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, pinworms, pork worms, and whipworms.
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.
The FDA approved mebendazole in June 1974.
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 the number of blood cells.
SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowWhat 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 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.
Health News
- CDC Warns of Potentially Fatal Bacterial Illness on U.S. Gulf Coast
- Helping Others as Volunteers Helps Kids 'Flourish': Study
- FDA Approves Pfizer's RSV Shot for Older Adults
- What to Do When Tough-to-Treat Lymphoma Strikes During Pregnancy
- Rate of Pregnant U.S. Women Who Have Diabetes Keeps Rising
More Health News »
Pregnancy and 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.
- While excretion into breast milk is unlikely, caution should be used since data is not available on excretion of mebendazole into breast milk.
Summary
Mebendazole is a medication prescribed to treat pork worms, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, pinworms, and whipworms. Side effects of mebendazole include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, chills, itching, flushing, hiccups, ringing in the ears, low blood pressure, bloody urine, and a drop in the number of blood cells. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Ringworm: Treatment, Pictures, Causes, and Symptoms
What is ringworm? How do you get rid of ringworm? View ringworm pictures on the scalp and body and learn about ringworm...
-
Pinworms Symptoms, Treatments, and Medication
Pinworm symptoms include itching and redness around the anus. Pinworm infection is common in children and adults. Pinworms are...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Corporis (Faciei)
Ringworm infection on a 51-year-old woman's skin. Ringworm (tinea) is a disease caused by a fungal infection of the skin. It can...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Pedis
Close-up of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) on the foot of a 66year old man. See a picture of Ringworm Tinea Pedis and learn more...
-
Picture of Ringworm Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis)
Ringworm - Tinea unguium or onchomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nails. It is normally caused by the dermatophyte...
-
Parasitic Infections: Worms People Can Get
Find out about the types of worms that humans can get, how it happens, and what the symptoms and treatments are.
-
Ringworm Quiz: Test your Medical IQ
-
Picture of Ringworm of the Nails
This is the most common fungal infection of the nails, also called onychomycosis. See a picture of Ringworm of the Nails and...
-
Picture of Pet Ringworm
Ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans). See a picture of Pet Ringworm and learn more...
-
Picture of Ringworm of the Hand
Ringworm may involve the hands, particularly the palms and the spaces between the fingers. See a picture of Ringworm of the Hand...
-
Picture of Types of Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin disorder otherwise known as tinea. See a picture of Types of Ringworm and learn more about the health...
-
Picture of Ringworm Illustration
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin previously thought to be due to a parasite (worm). See a picture of Ringworm and learn...
-
Picture of Ringworm
This superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. See a picture of Ringworm and...
-
Digestive Disorders: What You Should Know About Tapeworms
How much do you know about tapeworms? Find out more about what tapeworms are, how tapeworms get into your body, and how you can...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Symptoms of the inflammation of the colon lining include diarrhea, pain, and blood in the stool. There are several causes of colitis, including infection, ischemia of the colon, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, infectious colitis like C. difficile, or microscopic colitis). Treatment depends on the cause of the colitis.
-
Pinworms in Children and Adults
Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the ankus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus while a person is asleep. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the U.S. Symptoms include anal itching or vaginal itching. Pinworm infection is generally spread by inadequate handwashing from infected persons. Treatment is effective after a diagnosis is made with a pinworm test.
-
Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
-
How Do You Get Rid of Tapeworms Naturally?
Tapeworms are flat intestinal worms that enter the human body via foods contaminated with their eggs or worms. Get rid of tapeworms naturally with garlic, papaya, neem, turmeric, and cloves.
-
Is Ringworm Contagious?
A fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm can be transmitted from person to person. Animals may also spread ringworm. Ringworm causes an itchy, ring-shaped red rash with hair loss. Treatment incorporates the use of topical medication.
-
Ascariasis
A parasite names Ascaris lumbricoides causes ascariasis. Symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, fever, and passage of parasites and eggs in the stool. Treatment involves taking oral medications for one to three days.
-
What Are the Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Humans?
Worm infestation occurs in humans when parasitic worms, also known as intestinal worms, live and grow inside the body. The occurrence of worm infestations is more common among children of developing countries due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Older adults may also be vulnerable to worm infestation due to a weakened immune system.
-
How Do I Know If I Have Tapeworms?
What are tapeworms? Learn the signs and symptoms of this parasite. Learn what medical treatment works best to get rid of tapeworms and speed up your recovery from tapeworms.
-
Trichinosis Worm Infection
Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of trichinosis include diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, itching, fever, chills, and joint pains.Trichinosis usually resolves without treatment, but more severe cases are treated with thiabendazole (Mintezol), albendazole (Abenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).
-
How Often Should You Deworm?
The WHO advises deworming two times a year or every six months. Check out the center below for more medical references on parasites, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
How Can I Test Myself For Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are the flatworms that live in the human digestive tract. If you suspect you might have tapeworms, you need to visit a doctor for stool sample analysis, a blood test, and imaging tests.
-
Are Ringworm and Candida the same?
Ringworm and Candida are not the same. While they are both fungal infections, they are caused by different types of fungi, and affect different parts of the body.
-
Ringworm vs. Eczema
While ringworm is a fungal infection, and eczema is a skin condition, both are characterized by itchiness. Eczema patches are leathery while ringworm involves ring formation on the skin. Over-the-counter antifungals treat ringworm. Topical creams and ointments treat eczema.
-
How Do You Get Rid of Guinea Worm?
There is no medication to treat guinea worm disease or a vaccine to prevent infection. Treatment can only begin when the wound is formed on the skin and the adult worm emerges through it. Treatment involves removing the worm manually by a healthcare professional. When a part of the worm begins to emerge out of the wound, a stick is placed around the wound.
-
Cysticercosis (Pork Tapeworm Infection)
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. Symptoms include seizures, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, headache, vision changes, weakness, and confusion. Treatment depends upon the individual's symptoms and the stage of the infection. Treatment may incorporate anthelmintics, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and/or surgery.
-
How Do You Treat Ringworm on the Scalp?
Ringworm is contagious and the fungus that causes it can affect your skin in different places on your body. Learn what medical treatments can help ease your ringworm on the scalp symptoms and speed up your recovery.
-
How Can You Get Rid of Worms in a Puppy?
Dogs and puppies are ideal hosts for worms and other parasites. If your puppy is losing weight and has diarrhea and/or vomiting, then consult a vet to confirm the type of worm. Depending on the type of worm, your vet will suggest the test and treatment.
-
How to Get Rid of Ringworm?
Ringworms can be caused by over 40 different types of fungi, some of which are Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Ringworm is a fungal infection that appears on the skin, anywhere over the body. It's usually characterized by a red, circular rash and the center of the rash usually appears clear.
-
How Do You Get a Tapeworm Out of Your Body?
Tapeworms are parasitic worms that find their way into your body and live in your digestive system. Get a tapeworm out of your body by taking antiparasitic medications.
-
Nummular Eczema vs. Ringworm: Differences
Nummular eczema is also known as discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis. Ringworm is a common skin infection also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea corporis.
-
Can You Survive Rat Lungworm?
Rat lungworm rarely results in death; however, severe infections can be life-threatening. Check out the center below for more medical references on infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
How Would I Know if I Had a Tapeworm?
Flatworms that can live in the digestive tract are called tapeworms. You would know if you had a tapeworm if you had nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
-
What Causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the skin. It may occur anywhere, but the skin folds and sweaty areas are more commonly affected. It is characterized by a red, circular rash with central clearing and itching that can be intense
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Ringworm FAQs
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Catching Ringworm From Pets
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- What if the Pinworm Infection Occurs Again?
- How to Treat Pinworm
- How Can Pinworm Infection Be Prevented?
- Roundworms ... Of Kings and Worms or How Kings, Commoners, and Cats Are the Same Food
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
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.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information