VERMOX DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Mebendazole - Oral (me-BEN-da-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vermox

USES: Mebendazole is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. This medication prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body. Mebendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms such as whipworm, pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm. It is also used to treat infections caused by more than one of these worms at the same time. Mebendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

HOW TO USE: Mebendazole should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. Mebendazole tablets may be swallowed, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food. Even if you begin to feel better, continue taking all of the mebendazole that has been prescribed for you as your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. It may take up to 3 days after treatment before the worm is completely removed from your stomach and intestines. The amount of time it takes to cure the infection depends on how susceptible the worm is to mebendazole, and how quickly your own digestive system is moving. If the infection has not cleared up within 3 weeks, a second treatment may be required. Fasting, laxatives, and purging will not help cure this infection. It may also be necessary to treat family members and other close contacts. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person. Toilets must be disinfected daily, and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be changed and washed daily in order to avoid reinfection.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stop using mebendazole and seek emergency medical attention if you develop an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take mebendazole and consult with your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a fever. Side effects other than those listed in this guide may also occur. Speak with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is particularly bothersome.

PRECAUTIONS: Prior to taking mebendazole, tell your doctor about any pre-exisiting medical conditions that you have. Mebendazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C, meaning that it is unknown whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment, speak with your doctor before taking mebendazole. It is not known whether mebendazole passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Speak with your doctor before taking mebendazole if you are breast-feeding a baby. Children under 2 years of age should not take mebendazole unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be required. Pinworm is easily transmitted to others in close contact with the infected person.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Medicines used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), ethotoin (Peganone), mephenytoin (Mesantoin), and carbamazepine (Tegretol), may decrease the effects of mebendazole. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications so that your treatment can be monitored appropriately. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with mebendazole. Consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

OVERDOSE: If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a mebendazole overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the time for the next dose is close at hand, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medication.

STORAGE: Store mebendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.