Mebendazole is a drug to treat worm infections in the digestive tract. Some conditions that can be treated with this drug are pinworm infection (enterobiasis), roundworm infection, tapeworm infection, hookworm infection, or whipworm infection.
Mebendazole works by preventing worms from absorbing sugar, which is a food source they need to survive. That way the worms will die. Mebendazole only kills adult worms, but does not kill eggs or other forms of the worm life cycle.
mebendazole trademarks: No Worms, Vermoran, Vermox
What is Mebendazole
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Drug anthelmintic (anthelmintic) |
| Benefit | Treating worm infections |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 2 years old |
| Mebendazole for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Mebendazole may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Mebendazole
Mebendazole should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking mebendazole:
- Do not take mebendazole if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease, or anemia.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking mebendazole.
Mebendazole Dosage and Directions
Mebendazole is used to treat intestinal worm infections. The following is the dosage of mebendazole for adults and children over the age of 2 years based on the condition to be treated:
- Condition: Pinworm infection (enterobiasis)
Dosage 100 mg as a single dose. Drug consumption can be repeated 2-3 weeks later if needed.
- Condition: Roundworm infection (ascariasis), whipworm (trichuriasis), and hookworms
Dosage 100 mg, 2 times daily, for 3 consecutive days, or 500 mg in a single dose.
How to Take Mebendazole Correctly
Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking mebendazole.
Mebendazole can be consumed by chewing, mixed with food, or swallowed directly with the help of a glass of water. Mebendazole can be taken before or after meals. For those of you who have difficulty swallowing, these tablets can be crushed and mixed with water.
If you have a parasitic infection in your digestive tract, it is recommended that you take mebendazole with the whole family, even if they don't have symptoms of a worm infection.
Mebendazole can only kill adult worms. Therefore, it is important to break the cycle of worm infection by maintaining personal and home hygiene, such as regularly washing hands with soap and running water, not biting nails, washing clothes, towels and bed linen frequently.
Store mebendazole at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Mebendazole Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of mebendazole together with other drugs can cause several effects of drug interactions, including:
- Decreased mebendazole levels when used with carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, or phenytoin
- Increased levels of mebendazole when used with cimetidine
- Increased risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis when used with metronidazole
Mebendazole Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking mebendazole, namely:
- Stomach ache
- Throw up
- bloating
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Severe stomach ache
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fever and sore throat
- Unusual fatigue
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Seizures