Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Mebendazole

Mebendazole: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Mebendazole?

Mebendazole, a benzimidazole, is a broad-spectrum synthetic anthelmintic medication accessible orally as chewable pills or suspension. It is particularly effective for curing the infection caused by intestinal worms. This medication, however, does not kill all types of worms; known to be effective exclusively against parasitic worms. It works by interfering with glucose metabolism and blocking microtubule polymerisation.

What are the Uses of Mebendazole?

Mebendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms that infect the bowel (gastrointestinal tract). Acts by reducing the permeability of the cell membrane, killing the worms and curing gastrointestinal worm infection caused by pinworms, whipworms, roundworms, hookworms, and others. Adults and children over the age of 1 who have gut worm infections should take this medication only under prescription.

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What are the Side Effects of Mebendazole?

Mebendazole is well-tolerated in most people. Patients suffering from severe worm infestations may have –

Minor effects

GIT: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, anorexia
Dermatological: Rashes, itching, hives, unusual hair loss.
Hematological: anaemia
Nervous system: Convulsions, dizziness
Allergic reaction: Swollen face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
Hypersensitivity

Severe effects

Blood tests may show –

Changes in liver enzymes
Inflammation of kidneys
Decreased white blood cells
Sudden swelling of the face or throat
Severe irritation, reddening of the skin
Blisters around skin, mouth, eyes and genitals
Fits or convulsions

Particular attention to dosages and precautions is required to avoid side effects. Stop using Mebendazole and consult the doctor straight away if you notice the severe side effects. Contact our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals for a quick consultation.

What is Mebendazole

Uses of Mebendazole

Side effects of Mebendazole

References

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mebendazole

Both Albendazole and Mebendazole are extremely successful in treating parasitic worm infection, with a cure rate of 100%. Albendazole is the recommended benzimidazole derivative for mass treatment of multiple Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris infections.

The majority of the mebendazole dosage administered orally stays in the gastrointestinal system, where it has an anthelmintic action locally. It remains in an active mode with a half-life range of 3-6 hours. Less than 2% of orally given Mebendazole is eliminated in the urine, with the balance passing through the bowels as unaltered drugs or metabolites.

Mebendazole is an antiparasitic drug used for the treatment of worms and parasites. Although it is available as an over-the-counter drug with a non-prescription tag, it is advised to take it only under the physician's supervision.

Depending on the type of worm infection, Mebendazole might be given as a single dosage or twice daily for 3days. Your doctor will advise you on how frequently to administer it. Additionally, a second treatment may be administered in a few weeks if necessary. Follow your doctor's advice for other forms of infections.

Mebendazole is the safest and well-tolerated antiparasitic medicine, well-effective when taken as prescribed dosages. For positive results, don't discontinue Mebendazole too soon without completing the dosage course, as your symptoms may return or worsen. Mebendazole is safe when taken with the necessary precautions to avoid side effects.

Mebendazole, a benzimidazole carbamate, is one of a group of medicines called 'anthelmintics'. The pharmacologic classification of Mebendazole is benzimidazole, and the therapeutic category is anthelmintic activity.

Mebendazole was discontinued in 2011 due to the poor tissue penetration of Mebendazole and the current availability of albendazole and not for safety or efficacy reasons, stated by the Federal Register determination. The inexpensive version of Mebendazole is no longer available, but the chewable form called Vermox or Emverm is mostly used.

Mebendazole is highly metabolised when taken orally, largely by the liver. Its main metabolites have greater plasma concentrations than Mebendazole. It can cause liver damage only if there is decreased hepatic function, metabolism, or biliary clearance, which can result in increased plasma concentrations of Mebendazole.

Only parasitic worm infections or anthelmintic gastrointestinal infections caused by Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Necator americanus (hookworm), and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) are treated with Mebendazole.

S.no	Product Name	Dosage	Form
1.	Mebex	Mebendazole 100mg	Tablet
2.	Mebex	Mebendazole 100mg	Suspension
3.	Mebenth	Mebendazole 100mg	Tablet
4.	Sandin	Mebendazole 100mg	Tablet
5.	Eben	Mebendazole 100mg	Tablet