Therapeutic uses of Mebendazole 500mg and Mebendazole 100mg

1. Uses of Mebendazole

Mebendazole contains the active ingredient Mebendazole, which has anthelmintic properties, preventing worms from developing in the intestines. It is formulated in tablet form, available in 100 mg and 500 mg strengths. The medication is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by various types of worms, such as whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, and pinworms.

2. Dosage and usage of Mebendazole

Mebendazole can be administered in one of two ways: either chew and swallow directly or crush and mix with food. It is only for use by adults and children over 2 years old.

The dosage for Mebendazole 100mg depends on the type of worm as follows:

• Roundworms: 100 mg per dose, twice a day for 5 days.
• Ascaris: 100 mg per dose, twice a day for 3 days.
• Cat roundworms: 200 mg per dose, twice a day for 20 days. The treatment duration may be extended if the condition recurs.
• Filariasis or pinworms: 100 mg per dose, once a day for 2 weeks.
• Hookworms or whipworms: 100 mg per dose, twice a day for 3 days.
• Dog and cat roundworms: 100-200 mg per dose, twice a day for 5 days. Consider combining with anti-inflammatory medication.
• Tapeworms or cysticercosis: 40-50 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into multiple doses throughout the day for the treatment of the larval stage. May need to combine with other techniques like puncture, aspiration, and injection to remove cysts or tapeworms.

For Mebendazole 500mg used for deworming and periodic deworming, simply chew and swallow one tablet per dose.

The treatment duration for worm infections with Mebendazole depends on the type of worm and the individual's digestive system. It may take up to 3 days for worms to be expelled from the intestines and stomach.

Note that the recommended dosage should be strictly followed, even if the symptoms of worm infection have subsided. Conversely, overdosing can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

If the worm infection does not improve after 3 weeks of treatment with Mebendazole, consider a second treatment course or alternative treatment methods.

3. Side effects of Mebendazole

Generally, Mebendazole rarely causes side effects. However, it can still cause some adverse reactions at the following frequencies:

• Uncommon side effects: Abdominal pain, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, drowsiness.
• Serious but rare side effects: Severe abdominal pain, serious infections manifesting as prolonged fever, fatigue, easily getting bruising or bleeding, dark urine, jaundice, body weakness, seizures. If any of these symptoms occur when using Mebendazole, the patient should contact a doctor immediately.
• Rare severe reactions: Itching, rash, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness. In such cases, the patient should be taken to a medical facility immediately.

4. Precautions when taking Mebendazole

Precautions when using Mebendazole:

• Fasting to take Mebendazole and using laxatives does not cure worm infections.
• Deworming should be done for family members or close contacts to prevent the spread of worms, especially pinworms.
• Sanitize toilets thoroughly and wash, dry, and change  personal clothing and items daily.
• Inform your doctor about any drug allergies or allergic reactions to any components of the medication.
• Inform your doctor about all medications being taken, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, especially vitamins or medications containing carbamazepine.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or stomach disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, as taking Mebendazole may increase the risk of side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Mebendazole may interact with epilepsy medications such as phenytoin, ethotoin, and carbamazepine.
• Periodic deworming should be done every 4-6 months.

Mebendazole acts as an anthelmintic agent, preventing the development of worms. Hence, it is used for deworming, periodic worming, and treating infections caused by various types of worms. To ensure its effectiveness, users should strictly follow the instructions provided by their doctors or pharmacists.

Follow the Vinmec International General Hospital website for further information about health, nutrition, and beauty to protect your own health and that of your loved families.

To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.