Mebendazole

Dosage Forms Available

• Mebendazole is available for oral administration in the form of (tablets).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Mebendazole is intended for both adults and children who are 2 years of age and older.

Contraindications

• Mebendazole is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to it or any of its excipients.

• It should also be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or bone marrow depression.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Mebendazole may interact with histamine H2 receptor antagonists (such as cimetidine), anti-infective agents (like metronidazole), antiepileptic agents (such as phenytoin), and bronchodilators (like theophylline).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdose symptoms of Mebendazole can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• If you experience upset stomach or nausea, try taking Mebendazole with food.

• Drink plenty of water to manage minor side effects such as flatulence and diarrhoea.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• There is no known effect of Mebendazole on the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you feel dizzy or fatigued after taking this medicine, avoid such activities.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Mebendazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. It may pass into breast milk, but no adverse effects on infants have been seen. Consult your doctor before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised when using Mebendazole in patients with liver disease as it is mainly metabolised by the liver.

• Caution is also advised for patients with bone marrow depression, as some severe side effects may worsen this condition.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintaining a balanced diet can help strengthen the immune system to fight off parasitic infections.

• Regular hand washing, especially before meals and after using the toilet, is essential to prevent re-infection.

• Avoid walking barefoot in areas where soil-transmitted helminth infections are endemic.

• Ensure that your living space is clean and hygienic to prevent worm infections from spreading.