Mebendazole is used to treat parasitic infections and worm infections such as pinworm, threadworm, whipworm, hookworm and tapeworm that infect the large intestine.
Take Mebendazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
You may need to take Mebendazole for any length of time or in intervals depending on the type of infection you have.
Take this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses and continue to take Mebendazole even when you feel better. To clear the infection, you must complete the entire course unless otherwise directed.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Mebendazole if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other similar medicine.
Do not take Mebendezole if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Mebendazole may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
For as long as you are taking Mebendazole, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Practice good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting infected again. Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Mebendazole may cause any of the following side effects: itching, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort and rash.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- itchy rash
This medicine may cause the level of your white blood cells to drop.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Mebendazole if you are taking metronidazole.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking cimetidine (medicine to neutralise stomach acid).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.