Uses

Mebendazole is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for worm infections elsewhere in the body (such as trichinosis). In these cases, it is usually taken more often and for a longer time.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking mebendazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. It may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For treatment of pinworm infections, the medication is usually given as a single dose. If necessary, a second treatment may be given in a few weeks. For other types of common worm infections (such as roundworm, hookworm), take mebendazole by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) for 3 days. If necessary, a second treatment may be given in a few weeks. For other types of infections, follow your doctor's directions. Your doctor may order you to take this medication more often than twice a day and for longer than 3 days.

It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Keep taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• severe abdominal pain
• easy bleeding/bruising
• signs of serious infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• unusual/extreme tiredness
• seizures
• weakness
• dark or pinkish urine
• yellowing eyes/skin

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking mebendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:

• low blood count (anemia)
• liver disease
• intestinal problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is:

• metronidazole

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

If you are taking this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver/kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Pinworm infections can easily spread to others. All family members in close contact with the patient should be treated to decrease the chance of spreading the infection.

Practice strict hygiene to prevent another infection. Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom. Disinfect toilets daily. Change and launder undergarments, towels, and bedclothes daily.

Missed Dose

If you are taking more than one dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.