Mebendazole is commonly used to treat problems of the stomach and intestines, for instance pinworms, as well as more uncommon worm-borne illnesses like whipworm, hookworm, and roundworm. The medicine works by preventing the worms from taking in sugar (glucose), causing their eventual demise. It can be bought at any drugstore without any prescription for those 2 years and older and recommended by doctors for toddlers aged 6 months or more. It is achievable in either chewable pills or a fluid to be drunk.
Mebendazole is normally prescribed as one does to treat threadworm, but treating other types of worms may take up to three days of taking the medication. It begins to be effective immediately, although it may require some time to eradicate all the worms. Nevertheless, be aware that mebendazole does not destroy eggs, so a second dosage may be necessary two weeks later. Additionally, observing basic hygiene measures is essential to prevent worms from reappearing. Common side effects include digestive problems. Additionally, a physician or pharmacist may suggest that everyone in the household should take mebendazole.
Individuals aged two and above or aged between six months and two years who have a prescribed dosage of mebendazole from a medical professional can take it. However, certain people may not be able to tolerate this medicine. Make sure to inform any pharmacists or doctors of the following before administering the medicine:
Are you hypersensitive to mebendazole or any other drug, are you expecting a baby, or are you breastfeeding?
When and how to administer mebendazole
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell how much mebendazole you should take based on the kind of worms you have. For example, if you have threadworms (also known as pinworms), usually one dose is sufficient. Everyone living in the same household should also take the same dose at the same time as threadworms can easily spread. Mebendazole can be purchased as a liquid that has a banana flavor or as orange tablets. Always follow the instructions that come with your prescription.
Your doctor or pharmacist may propose that you re-take the same dose after fourteen days in order to stop reinfection from threadworms. This is because the medicine can remove the worms however it cannot eradicate their eggs.
Take mebendazole according to your doctor’s instructions if you have whipworm, roundworm, or hookworm. Generally, you should take two doses a day for the course of three days.
You have the choice to either chew or swallow the tablet whole, it does not have an effect either way. A liquid form of the medication comes with its own plastic spoon to measure the right amount of dose. Make sure to request one from a pharmacist if you have not been supplied with one; do not try and measure it using a regular kitchen spoon as it can lead to incorrect measurements.
If you realize that you have missed a dose of your mebendazole, take it as soon as possible if it is within four hours of when you were supposed to take it. On the other hand, if more than four hours has passed, do not take an extra dose; just stick to your usual routine.
Do not double up on the amount of mebendazole you’ve forgotten to take. If you take more than the suggested dosage, it likely won’t result in any serious harm although you may experience abdominal discomfort, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Some of the possible side effects of mebendazole, which occur in more than 1% of people, may be managed by resting, consuming smaller meals on a more regular basis, and applying heat to the belly. If the discomfort is extreme, it is recommended one sees a doctor or pharmacist.
If your tummy is feeling large or if you’re burping and passing gas, attempt to eat foods that are less complicated and circumvent fatty or zesty dishes. Taking Mebendazole after eating may be helpful to alleviate these symptoms. It is also significant to drink a lot of liquids, if you have loose motions, as it can result in dehydration. Prior to consuming any remedies for diarrhoea, get advice from a pharmacist or a doctor. If you take the contraceptive pill and experience major diarrhoea for more than a day, you should be careful so as not to become pregnant – read the packet for further advice.
Should the instructions on how to control the aftereffects of mebendazole be unsuccessful and they are still a problem, an individual should connect with a medical practitioner or a pharmacist. Any serious consequences should be taken seriously and the person should instantly stop taking the medicine and reach out to a medical professional or dial 111 if the sclera of the eyes turn yellow or the skin turns yellow, although this may not be as apparent on people with deeper complexions. This could be a manifestation of liver issues.
Anaphylaxis to mebendazole is rare but can occur. The medications packet contains a leaflet which details all of the potential side effects, so consult it for further information.
Mebendazole is a safe option should it be necessary during pregnancy, although threadworms generally pose little risk to either you or your developing baby. It is strongly recommended you try to treat the infection without using medication, particularly during the first trimester when your baby is just starting to form.
Be sure to keep up with your hygiene by washing your hands regularly, scrubbing nail beds, taking a morning shower, deleting and disinfecting your toothbrush, cutting nails to a suitable length, laundering your garments, bedding and towels, cleaning your kitchen and lavatory surfaces, vacuuming, and dusting with a damp rag at least once a week. These practices should eradicate parasites within a timeframe of 6 weeks or so. If such practices fail to help or they are too difficult to complete, you should talk to your physician or your chemist about starting treatment with mebendazole.
Ask your doctor what the best way is to manage any type of infestation, such as roundworm or hookworm. If you are breast-feeding, your physician or health care provider can verify that your nursing baby is fit, in which case you can take mebendazole. There will most likely be not enough of the medicine in the milk for your child to experience any bad effects.
If you notice anything unusual when it comes to your baby’s feeding patterns or other concerns, it is important to get in touch with a health visitor, midwife, or doctor right away. It has been verified that there is no impact of mebendazole on either male or female fertility. In addition, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential reactions between mebendazole and other drugs or herbal supplements.
It is important to talk to a pharmacist or physician if you are taking medications besides mebendazole because those medications may influence one another.
Metronidazole is usually prescribed to combat bacterial or protozoal infections, and cimetidine is ordinarily used to reduce the acidity of the stomach. It is not known enough about mebendazole to conclude whether the combination of supplements, herbal remedies, and other complementary medications is safe. These products do not receive the same type of testing as prescription and pharmaceutical drugs and have not been studied to ascertain their impact on other drugs. For more information visit: https://www.fenbendazole.org/
