mebendazole at a glance
Medicine class
Benzimidazole anthelmintic.
Usual role
Treating susceptible intestinal worm infections; the licensed spectrum varies by product.
Available forms
Chewable or swallowable tablets and oral suspension.
Food
Food and drink can be taken normally.
What is mebendazole used for?
Selected products have different licensed uses.
Selected Ovex products are licensed for intestinal threadworm infection.
Selected Vermox products are licensed for threadworm, whipworm, roundworm, common hookworm and American hookworm, including mixed gastrointestinal infestations.
Selected products are not established as effective treatments for cysticercosis.
How does mebendazole work?
Mebendazole blocks glucose uptake by susceptible adult and larval worms. This depletes their energy stores and disrupts their survival. Most oral mebendazole remains in the gut.
mebendazole preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take mebendazole
Follow the product leaflet or prescription directions for the diagnosed infection.
Tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole with water.
Crush a tablet before giving it to a young child and supervise swallowing.
Use an oral suspension when swallowing tablets is difficult.
Shake suspension well and measure it using the supplied device.
No special food restrictions or laxatives are required.
mebendazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or stomach upset.
- Diarrhoea or increased wind.
Get urgent medical advice
- Seizure.
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty or facial, tongue or throat swelling.
- Blistering, peeling or widespread rash.
- Possible liver injury, including jaundice, dark urine or pale stools.
- Possible blood-cell disorder, including unusual tiredness or recurrent infections.
mebendazole in pregnancy
Selected UK product information lists pregnancy as a contraindication. Independent UK pregnancy information notes that mebendazole may sometimes be considered after a benefit–risk discussion, particularly if hygiene measures are insufficient; hygiene measures may be preferred in early pregnancy. Check with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use.
mebendazole while breastfeeding
Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Mebendazole can often be used during breastfeeding, but a pharmacist or prescriber should check suitability and any concerns about the infant.
mebendazole interactions
Check current medicines before supplying or prescribing mebendazole.
Metronidazole
Avoid concurrent use because a possible association with severe blistering skin reactions has been reported.
Cimetidine
May reduce hepatic metabolism of mebendazole and increase its plasma concentration.
Common questions about mebendazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What worm infections does mebendazole treat?
Licensed infections depend on the product. Selected products treat threadworm only, while selected prescription products also cover roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infections.
Can children take mebendazole?
Most children aged two or over can use an appropriate product. Selected product information does not recommend it below two and states it should not be used below one; younger children require prescriber assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.