About mebendazole
Anthelmintic (worm treatment)
Used for
- Treats pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections.
Usual adult dose
Usually 100 mg twice daily for 3 days; pinworm is usually treated with one dose, repeated after 2 weeks if needed.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 2 years and older, doses are usually the same as adults, depending on the worm infection.
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
Important warnings
- Rarely, prolonged or high-dose treatment can affect blood counts or liver function.
- Avoid use in children under 2 years unless specifically prescribed.
- Treat household contacts and hygiene measures may be important for pinworm.
Pregnancy
Avoid during the first trimester unless a clinician determines treatment is necessary; seek medical guidance during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at usual doses.
Interactions
- Metronidazole: avoid combination due to reports of serious skin reactions.
- Cimetidine may increase mebendazole levels.
- Carbamazepine or phenytoin may reduce mebendazole levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.