Mebendazole Tablets: Uses & Side Effects

What is this medication?

MEBENDAZOLE (me BEN da zole) is an antiparasitic. It is used to treat infections of certain worms or other parasites.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emverm, Vermox

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mebendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Chew or crush it completely before swallowing. Do not swallow tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medicine unless your health care provider tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

• metronidazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Some parasites are spread easily by close contact. Other people in your house may need treatment. Follow your doctor's directions on how to prevent the spread of the infection. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Wear tight-fitting undergarments day and night. Change and wash them daily. Change and wash bedclothes and linens after treatment. Disinfect toilets as needed. For several days after treatment, vacuum or damp mop the bedroom floors. To avoid stirring up eggs trapped in dust, do not sweep floors or shake out personal items.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

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

• diarrhea
• lack or loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• passing gas
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

See product for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.