Key facts about mebendazole
- Mebendazole is a potent, broad-spectrum anthelmintic.
- It is used in the treatment of parasitic worm infections.
- Prescription status: US - prescription only; UK - pharmacy medicine (P) for threadworm, prescription-only medicine for other uses; Australia - pharmacy medicine (Schedule 2).
- It is taken orally with or without food.
- Never combine mebendazole with metronidazole (Flagyl), because the combination can trigger serious, life-threatening skin reactions.
Mebendazole brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.
Mebendazole brands and prices
| Brand | Strength | Form | Price from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mebentel 100 mg Kachhela | 100 mg | Tablet | $149.00 90 Tablets | View |
| Mebentel 500 mg Kachhela | 500 mg | Tablet | $150.00 90 Tablets | View |
What is mebendazole?
Mebendazole is an anthelmintic drug commonly used for roundworm infections and other parasitic worm infections. It is a highly effective medicine and is marketed under numerous brand names.
How mebendazole works
Mebendazole works by binding to the beta-tubulin subunit of the microtubules in parasitic worms. This disrupts the function and structure of the worm's cells, resulting in impaired glucose uptake and energy depletion. This leads to paralysis and eventually death of the worms, which are then cleared from the body.
What is mebendazole used for?
Mebendazole is approved to treat people older than two years with gastrointestinal infections caused by hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and pinworms, in single or mixed infections.
- Hookworm
- Roundworm
- Whipworm
- Pinworm (threadworm)
It also has several other off-label uses for adult intestinal nematode infections such as capillariasis, trichinellosis, and toxocariasis [1].
Treat the whole household and hygiene steps
Treat all household members at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. Maintain strict hygiene for 6 weeks, including regular handwashing, keeping nails short and clean, and washing bedding, towels and nightwear frequently. Repeat the dose after 2 weeks if advised, particularly for threadworm infection.
Mebendazole strengths and forms
At Prashi Pharma, we offer Mebentel in 100 mg and 500 mg strengths, available as tablets and chewable tablets. The 100 mg strength is standard, while 500 mg is also an established strength. The right strength and dosage should be determined by your prescriber.
How to take mebendazole
- Always follow all the directions of your doctor while taking Mebendazole.
- Mebendazole comes as chewable tablets, tablets or other formulations.
- The dosage depends on the type of worm infection you have.
- For threadworm, this medicine is taken as a one-off dose. However, if your symptoms come back, you may need to take another dose 2 weeks later.
- For roundworm, hookworm or whipworm infections, patients usually take it twice a day, with a gap of 10-12 hours between doses, for 3 days.
- Always check the expiry date of the medication before you take it.
- Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
- Chew or swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water (crush the tablet if given to children) [2].
Missed dose
Take the missed dose of Mebendazole as soon as you remember it. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed dose of Mebendazole can lead to an overdose. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain, discomfort, or swelling
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Seek medical help if you think you have taken too much.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side effects of mebendazole
Common side effects [3]
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
Report these to your medical expert
- Infection - cough, sore throat, chills or fever
- Allergic reactions - skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Blistering, redness, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Who should not take mebendazole?
Mebendazole should be used with caution or avoided in:
- People allergic to mebendazole or any of its ingredients.
- Children under 2 years of age, unless a doctor advises it.
- People with liver disease or biliary obstruction, who should use it with caution.
- Pregnant women, who should consult a doctor before use.
- Breastfeeding women, who should seek medical advice before taking it.
Taking mebendazole with other medicines, food and alcohol
Do not take mebendazole with metronidazole (Flagyl). The combination has been linked to serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines, as they can interact with mebendazole:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Phenytoin / Fosphenytoin (Dilantin / Cerebyx)
- Deferiprone
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Ropeginterferon alfa-2b
Food and drink
Patients can normally eat and drink while taking Mebendazole.
Alcohol
Moderate alcohol does not affect the effectiveness of this medicine; however, avoid heavy drinking as it can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
Mebendazole vs Albendazole
| Feature | Mebendazole | Albendazole |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Benzimidazole antiparasitic | Benzimidazole antiparasitic |
| Primary use | Intestinal worm infections | Intestinal and some tissue infections |
| Spectrum of activity | Broad | Broader in some systemic infections |
| Prescription status | Varies by country | Varies by country |
| Tissue penetration | Lower | Higher |
| Duration of action | Shorter | Longer |
| Cost | Cheaper | Higher |
Mebendazole in the US, UK and Australia
United States
- Brand names
- Emverm (100 mg chewable), Vermox Chewable (500 mg)
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- FDA
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Ovex, Vermox (100 mg)
- How it is supplied
- Pharmacy medicine (P) for threadworm; prescription only for other uses
- Regulator
- MHRA
Australia
- Brand names
- Vermox and pharmacy worm treatments (e.g. 100 mg packs)
- How it is supplied
- Pharmacy medicine (Schedule 2)
- Regulator
- TGA
How to order mebendazole online with a prescription
Prashi Pharma is an online healthcare platform committed to offering high-quality medicines at competitive prices. Follow these steps to order medicines at Prashi Pharma with a prescription.
- Choose the brand and strength of your medication.
- Upload your prescription during checkout.
- Our team of pharmacists will verify your prescription.
- Once verification is successful, your order is dispatched with discreet packaging.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy