MEBENDAZOLE oral

• Anthelminthic

Indications

• Ascariasis (Ascaris lumbricoides), trichuriasis (Trichuris trichiura), hookworm infections (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus), enterobiasis (Enterobius vermicularis), trichinellosis (Trichinella sp)

Forms and strengths

• 100 mg tablet

Dosage and duration

Ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infections

• Child over 6 months and adult: 100 mg 2 times daily for 3 days
• Child over 6 months but under 10 kg: 50 mg 2 times daily for 3 days
   

Enterobiasis

• Child over 6 months and adult: 100 mg single dose
• Child over 6 months but under 10 kg: 50 mg single dose
   

A second dose may be given after 2 to 4 weeks.

Trichinellosis

• Child over 2 years: 2.5 mg/kg 2 times daily for 10 to 15 days
• Adult: 200 mg 2 times daily for 10 to 15 days

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to children under 6 months.
• May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, dizziness.
• Pregnancy: avoid during the first trimester
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Use albendazole in preference to mebendazole: albendazole is easier to use and is preferred in mixed infections as it has a broader spectrum of activity.
• Tablets are to be chewed or crushed: follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Take tablets between meals.

Storage