Skip to content

Mebendazole

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Emverm, Vermox

    • Anthelmintics

    Oral, broad-spectrum, synthetic anthelmintic agent
    Used for infections caused by GI nematodes, such as roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms
    Along with pyrantel pamoate, drug of choice for these infections

    Indicated for the treatment of trichuriasis (whipworm infection) or ascariasis (roundworm infection) or mixed infections with these parasites.

    For the treatment of enterobiasis (pinworm infection).
    For the treatment of hookworm infection.
    For the treatment of cystic echinococcosis (hydatid cyst disease) and alveolar echinococcosis.
    For the treatment of capillariasis.
    For the treatment of toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans).
    For the treatment of trichinosis.
     
     

    Hypersensitivity

    • 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

    Neutropenia and agranulocytosis reported with high doses

    Not effective for hydatid disease

    Systemic exposure may increase with hepatic impairment

    Pregnancy category: C

    Lactation: Excretion in breast milk unknown; use caution

    Adults

    500 mg/day PO for single dose regimen; 200 mg/day PO is FDA-approved maximum for 3-day regimen; a dose of 40 mg/kg PO has been used off-label for hydatid cyst disease.

    Geriatric

    500 mg/day PO for single dose regimen; 200 mg/day PO is FDA-approved maximum for 3-day regimen; a dose of 40 mg/kg PO has been used off-label for hydatid cyst disease.

    Adolescents

    500 mg/day PO for single dose regimen; 200 mg/day PO is FDA-approved maximum for 3-day regimen; a dose of 40 mg/kg PO has been used off-label for hydatid cyst disease.

    Children

    2 to 12 years: 500 mg/day PO for single dose regimen; 200 mg/day PO is FDA-approved maximum for 3-day regimen; a dose of 40 mg/kg PO has been used off-label for hydatid cyst disease.
    1 to 2 years: 500 mg/day PO for single dose regimen; safety and efficacy have not been established for 3-day regimen.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Neonates

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Mebendazole 

    tablet, chewable

    • 100mg (Emverm)
    • 500mg (Vermox)