Mebendazole tablet

What is this medicine?

MEBENDAZOLE is an anthelmintic. This medicine treats parasitic (worm) infections from roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, whipworms, or infections with two or more of these worms.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

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

• Crohn's disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• liver disease
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mebendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mebendazole tablets by mouth. Mebendazole works best when taken with food, especially fatty foods such as whole milk, cheese, or ice cream. You can chew the tablets, swallow them whole or crush and mix with food (such as ice cream or pudding) which is an easy way to give the tablets to children. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Space your doses evenly through the day and night and take at the same time each day. Parasite (worm) death can be slow. To remove all parasites (worms) from the intestines can take several days. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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. You must leave a suitable interval between doses. If you are taking one dose a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 10 to 12 hours between doses. If you are taking two doses a day and have to take a missed dose, make sure there is at least 5 to 6 hours between doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• carbamazepine
• phenytoin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional to check that your infection has gone. If you still have an infection after 3 weeks you may need a second course of tablets. If you have hookworms or whipworms you may be anemic. Check with your prescriber or health care professional to see if you need iron supplements. If you have pinworms other people in your house may need treatment. Pinworms are spread easily by close contact. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Every day change and launder bedclothes, linens, and undergarments. This will help keep other family members from getting infected. Disinfect the toilet every day, and damp mop the floors often to reduce the number of worm eggs.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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

• fever or chills, sore throat
• rash, itching
• unusual weakness or tiredness

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

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• ringing in the ears
• stomach pain, which can occur when large numbers of worms are present

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.