What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Mebendazole is a member of the benzimidazole class
of antiparasitic agents, which also includes thiabendazole, albendazole, and
triclabendazole. Mebendazole, like other benzimidazoles, causes death of
parasites by interfering with the function of tubulin, an important protein in
parasites, and preventing glucose uptake. Mebendazole is active against
tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, threadworms, pinworms, pork worms, and
whipworms. The FDA approved mebendazole in June 1974.
Is mebendazole chewable available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for mebendazole chewable?
Yes
What are the side effects of mebendazole chewable?
Mebendazole may cause:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea.
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- headache,
- vomiting,
- chills,
- itching,
- flushing,
- hiccups,
- ringing in the ears,
- low blood pressure,
- bloody urine, and
- a drop in number of blood cells.
What is the dosage for mebendazole chewable?
Recommendations are based on the infecting organism being treated.
- Initial dosing for some hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and whipworm infections
is 100 mg twice daily for 3 days. - Initial dosing for pinworm infection is 100 mg
as a single dose. The dose may be repeated in 2 to 3 weeks if needed.
Which drugs or supplements interact with mebendazole chewable?
- Mebendazole should not be used with
metronidazole
(Flagyl) due to
the increased risk of rare but serious life-threatening skin conditions known as
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. -
Carbamazepine
(Tegretol, Tegretol SR, Equetro, Carbatrol), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), ethotoin (Peganone), and
phenytoin
(Dilantin, Dilantin-125) may interfere with successful treatment with mebendazole by decreasing
its blood levels. -
Cimetidine
(Tagamet) may increase mebendazole levels and increase the
risk of side effects from mebendazole.
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Is mebendazole chewable safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Adverse outcomes in animal studies have been observed. Adverse
outcomes in human pregnancy have not been seen, however the Centers for Disease
Control recommends postponing pinworm therapy until the third trimester when
possible.
NURSING MOTHERS: While excretion into
breast milk is unlikely, caution should
be used since data is not available on excretion of mebendazole into breast
milk.
What else should I know about mebendazole chewable?
What preparations of mebendazole chewable are available?
Chewable tablets: 100 mg
How should I keep mebendazole chewable stored?
Mebendazole should be protected from light and stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).