What it is used for
- Pinworm (threadworm) infection
- Roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections
- Mixed intestinal worm infections
How it works
Mebendazole stops intestinal worms from taking in the sugar they need for energy, which starves the worms so they cannot survive and are passed out of the body.
How it is taken
Taken as oral chewable tablets or a liquid suspension, available over the counter in many countries for pinworm. It may be a single occasion or a short repeated course depending on the worm. Take it exactly as the label, your doctor, or pharmacist directs.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Mild stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Wind (flatulence)
- Nausea
- Headache
Serious effects — get help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care
- Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling — seek emergency care
- Signs of liver problems or low blood counts with high-dose long courses — contact your clinician
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Some antiepileptic medicines
- Cimetidine (can raise drug levels)
- Metronidazole (combination generally avoided)
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician if you could be pregnant, especially in the first trimester
- For pinworm, treating household members and washing bedding and clothing reduces reinfection
- Report liver disease
- Inform your clinician if breastfeeding
- Use the child-appropriate amount for young children — ask the pharmacist