Mebendazole

Pronounced

"meh-BEN-duh-zole"

Common brand names:

Vermox

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 This Medication

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 keep 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.

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