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Uses

What is mebendazole used for?

Mebendazole is commonly used to treat infections of the intestines caused by worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, or pinworms.

Mebendazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does mebendazole work (mechanism of action)?

Mebendazole kills certain types of worms that cause infections in the intestines.

How is mebendazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Mebendazole is available as Emverm 100 mg chewable tablets that are taken by mouth.

How should I store mebendazole?

Mebendazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of mebendazole?

The most common side effects of mebendazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of mebendazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of mebendazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of mebendazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mebendazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking mebendazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Mebendazole can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis and low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils (neutropenia). This risk may be higher if you are taking mebendazole for a long time or at high doses. Your healthcare provider may check lab work while you are taking mebendazole to monitor for this. Stop using mebendazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use mebendazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use mebendazole.

  • Emverm
  • Vermox
  • Mebendazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mebendazole products they stock.

What should I know about mebendazole before using it?

Do not take mebendazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. 

Do not share mebendazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Stop taking mebendazole and contact your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, blisters, or sores and take or use a medicine called metronidazole, including gels that you apply to your skin or vagina. This combination can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated.  

Keep mebendazole out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using mebendazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if mebendazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Mebendazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking mebendazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how mebendazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take mebendazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Mebendazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop mebendazole.

Interactions

Does mebendazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between mebendazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect mebendazole, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection. 

Does mebendazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking metronidazole (Flagyl and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat bacterial and other infections, before taking mebendazole.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with mebendazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much mebendazole?

If you or someone else has taken mebendazole for a longer duration than recommended or has taken too much of the medicine, get medical help right away, call 911 or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of mebendazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.