Mebendazole tablets

What is this medicine?

MEBENDAZOLE (me BEN da zole) is an anthelmintic. It will kill some kinds of parasites. This medicine is used to treat infections of roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, and whipworms.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this tablet by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• fever or chills, sore throat

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• trouble breathing

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• cimetidine

• metronidazole

What if I miss a dose?

Emverm tablets: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Vermox tablets: This does not apply because you will take all of the medicine as 1 dose.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mebendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better of if they get worse. If you still have symptoms after 3 weeks you may need to be treated again. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Some parasites are spread easily by close contact. Other people in your house may need treatment. Follow your doctor's directions on how to prevent the spread of the infection. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Wear tight fitting undergarments day and night. Change and wash them daily. Change and wash bedclothes and linens after treatment. Disinfect toilets as needed. For several days after treatment, vacuum or damp mop the bedroom floors. To avoid stirring up eggs trapped in dust, do not sweep floors or shake out personal items.