Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet, chewable
- 100mg (Emverm)
- 500mg (Vermox)
Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
100 mg PO as a single dose
If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
Emverm: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 days; if cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Vermox: 500 mg PO as a single dose
Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
Emverm: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 consecutive days; if cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Vermox: 500 mg PO as a single dose
Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)
Emverm: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 consecutive days; if cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Giardia Duodenalis (Giardiasis; Off-label)
200 mg PO q8hr for 5 days
Mansonella Perstans (Filariasis; Off-label))
100 mg PO q12hr
Visceral Larva Migrans (Toxocariasis; Off-label)
100-200 mg PO q12hr for 5 days
Dosing Considerations
Chewable tablet, see Administration for complete instructions
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet, chewable
- 100mg (Emverm)
- 500mg (Vermox)
Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
<2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Emverm, ≥2 years: 100 mg PO as a single dose
If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
Emverm
- <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- ≥2 years: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 days
- If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Vermox
- <1 year: Safety and efficacy not established
- ≥1 year: 500 mg PO as a single dose
Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
Emverm
- <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- ≥2 years: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 consecutive days
- If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Vermox
- <1 year: Safety and efficacy not established
- ≥1 year: 500 mg PO as a single dose
Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)
<2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Emverm, ≥2 years: 100 mg PO q12hr for 3 consecutive days
If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised
Dosing Considerations
Chewable tablet, see Administration for complete instructions
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (6)
- deferiprone
deferiprone, mebendazole. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid use of deferiprone with other drugs known to be associated with neutropenia or agranulocytosis; if an alternative is not possible, monitor absolute neutrophil count more frequently.
- ethotoin
ethotoin decreases levels of mebendazole by increasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- fosphenytoin
fosphenytoin decreases levels of mebendazole by increasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- metronidazole
mebendazole increases toxicity of metronidazole by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: May increase the risk for toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- phenytoin
phenytoin decreases levels of mebendazole by increasing metabolism. Contraindicated.
- ropeginterferon alfa 2b
ropeginterferon alfa 2b, mebendazole. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Myelosuppressive agents can produce additive myelosuppression. Avoid use and monitor patients receiving the combination for effects of excessive myelosuppression.
Monitor Closely (2)
- acalabrutinib
acalabrutinib, mebendazole. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may increase risk of myelosuppressive effects.
- cimetidine
cimetidine increases levels of mebendazole by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (1)
- carbamazepine
carbamazepine decreases levels of mebendazole by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Angioedema
Fever
Dizziness
Headache
Hematuria
Leukopenia
Seizures
Drowsiness
Decreased hemoglobin
Rash
Itching
Agranulocytosis
Alopecia (with high doses)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
May increase AST, ALT, and GGT (hepatitis)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Vomiting
Neutropenia (sore throat, unusual fatigue)
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Unusual weakness
Glomerulonephritis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Neutropenia and agranulocytosis reported with high doses
Not effective for hydatid disease
Systemic exposure may increase with hepatic impairment
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in breast milk unknown; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Blocks glucose uptake; inhibits the formation of helminth microtubules in susceptible adult intestine-dwelling helminths
Absorption
Absorption: 2-10%
Peak serum time: 2-4 hr
Distribution
Distribution: To serum, cyst fluid, liver, omental fat, and pelvic, pulmonary, and hepatic cysts; highest concentrations found in liver; relatively high concentrations found in muscle-encysted Trichinella spiralis larvae; crosses placenta
Protein bound: 90-95%
Vd: 1-2 L/kg
Metabolism
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic
Elimination
Half-life elimination: 3-6 hr
Excretion: Feces (primarily); urine (~2%)
Administration
Oral Administration
Emverm
- May take with or without food
- May be swallowed whole, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food
Vermox
- May take with or without food
- Chew tablet completely before swallowing, do not swallow tablet whole
-
Difficulty chewing tablet
- Place ~2-3 mL of drinking water in a suitably sized spoon and place 500-mg tablet into the water
- Within 2 minutes, the tablet absorbs the water and turns into a soft mass with semisolid consistency, which can then be swallowed
Storage
Emverm
- Store at 20-25ºC (68-77ºF)
Vermox
- Store <30ºC
- Keep container tightly closed
- Discard unused tablets 1 month after bottle is first opened
- When the bottle is first opened this Discard After date should be written on the bottle label in the place provided
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emverm oral - | 100 mg chewable tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
mebendazole oral
MEBENDAZOLE CHEWABLE TABLET - ORAL
(meh-BEN-duh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emverm, Vermox
USES: Mebendazole is used to treat intestinal worm infections such as pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking mebendazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. It may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.For treatment of pinworm infections, the medication is usually given as a single dose. If necessary, a second treatment may be given in a few weeks. For other types of common worm infections (such as roundworm, hookworm), take mebendazole by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) for 3 days. If necessary, a second treatment may be given in a few weeks. For other types of infections, follow your doctor's directions. Your doctor may order you to take this medication more often than twice a day and for longer than 3 days.It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Keep taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe abdominal pain, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of serious infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), unusual/extreme tiredness, seizures, weakness, dark or pinkish urine, yellowing eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking mebendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: low blood count (anemia), liver disease, intestinal problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.A product that may interact with this drug is: metronidazole.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.If you are taking this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver/kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.Pinworm infections can easily spread to others. All family members in close contact with the patient should be treated to decrease the chance of spreading the infection.Practice strict hygiene to prevent another infection. Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom. Disinfect toilets daily. Change and launder undergarments, towels, and bedclothes daily.
MISSED DOSE: If you are taking more than one dose and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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