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Mebendazole

  • Everyone in the family should be treated with mebendazole to prevent re-infection
  • If you have been prescribed mebendazole for threadworm it is usually taken as a single dose. A second dose may be necessary after 2 weeks in case of re-infection.
  • Mebendazole is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. If your family is being treated and you have a child under 2 years old ask your doctor for advice.
  • Important: If you experience a skin reaction including a rash, itching or blisters, a sore mouth or eyes, high temperature, shortness of breath, or generally feel unwell after taking mebendazole, contact your doctor at once.

About mebendazole

Type of medicine Anthelmintics
Used for Treatment of threadworms
Treatment of tropical worm infections including roundworm, whipworm and hookworm
Also called Vermox
Ovex
Pripsen
Boots Threadworm Tablets
Available as Tablets
Chewable tablets
Oral liquid

Mebendazole works by preventing the worm from absorbing essential sugars needed for survival. This leads to the eventual death of the parasite within a few days.

Before taking mebendazole

Before taking mebendazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you are also taking metronidazole (an antibiotic) or cimetidine (used to lower acid levels in the stomach)
    Mebendazole is not recommended for children under 2 years of age

How to take mebendazole

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor
  • Everyone in the family should be treated with mebendazole to prevent re-infection
  • If you have been prescribed mebendazole for threadworm it is usually taken as a single dose. A second dose may be necessary after 2 weeks in case of re-infection.
  • Mebendazole is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. If your family is being treated and you have a child under 2 years old ask your doctor for advice.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Threadworms are small parasites, which live inside the bowel for a short time. They are relatively common in children and adults and can be easily passed from one person to another. The female lays her eggs at night around the anus (back passage) which causes irritation. The itching causes scratching, which allows the tiny eggs to get under the fingernails. If the fingers are then put in the mouth, for example during sleep, the eggs may be swallowed. The worms then develop in the bowel and produce more eggs. Eggs can easily get onto bedding, carpets, towels and into the house dust. They can also get onto food and again be swallowed.

To prevent re-infection:

  • Wash hands and scrub nails before preparing or eating a meal, and after each visit to the toilet
  • Wearing underwear below pyjamas and bathing immediately after waking will help prevent re-infection
  • Disinfect the toilet seat, handle and door handle regularly
  • Vacuum carpets daily, and disinfect work surfaces
  • Keep fingernails short and clean and avoid biting nails or sucking fingers
  • Have a separate towel for each member of the family
  • Change and wash clothing and bedding frequently
  • All members of the family should take the first dose of mebendazole on the same day
  • Follow these precautions for at least 6 weeks after the first dose of mebendazole

Can mebendazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Mebendazole may cause the following:

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If this continues or becomes troublesome speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tummy pains (usually short-lived) If this continues or becomes troublesome speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience a skin reaction including a rash, itching or blisters, a sore mouth or eyes, high temperature, shortness of breath, or generally feel unwell after taking mebendazole, contact your doctor at once.

Very rarely convulsions (fits) in infants have been reported.

If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store mebendazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3629		 DocRef:
dils3243		 Last Updated:
5 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
4 Feb 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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