name | Mebendazole |
classification | Antihelminthic (benzimidazole class) |
pharmacokinetics | Mebendazole is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-2 hours. It distributes throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, where it accumulates in parasitic worms. Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, and it is excreted primarily in the urine and feces. |
dosage | adult | weight | 70 kg | dosage | 500 mg twice daily for 3 days | notes | Adjustments may be necessary based on individual patient factors and infection type. |
| pediatric | Dosage in children varies by weight and age; consult a physician. | instructions | Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Follow the prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. |
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indications | 1 | infection | Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) | efficacy | Effective |
| 2 | infection | Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) | efficacy | Effective |
| 3 | infection | Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) | efficacy | Effective |
| 4 | infection | Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) | efficacy | Effective |
| 5 | infection | Other intestinal nematode infections | efficacy | May be effective |
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safety pregnancy | caution | Limited data; use only if potential benefit outweighs risk. Consult a physician immediately. Do not use in the first trimester. | additional notes | Consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. |
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safety breastfeeding | caution | Limited data; use with caution during breastfeeding. Consult a physician. | additional notes | Potential for excretion into breast milk; consult with a healthcare professional |
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side effects | 1 | symptom | Nausea | severity | Mild to Moderate |
| 2 | symptom | Vomiting | severity | Mild to Moderate |
| 3 | symptom | Abdominal pain | severity | Mild |
| 4 | symptom | Diarrhea | severity | Mild |
| 5 | symptom | Headache | severity | Mild |
| 6 | symptom | Loss of appetite | severity | Mild |
| 7 | symptom | Other gastrointestinal disturbances | severity | May occur |
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alternatives | |
contraindications | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to mebendazole or other benzimidazoles | 2 | Severe liver impairment | 3 | Active or suspected pregnancy in first trimester |
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interactions | 1 | Possible interactions with some medications. Consult a physician or pharmacist. | 2 | Example interaction: May decrease the effectiveness of certain anticonvulsants. (Consult physician for detailed list) | 3 | Example interaction: May affect the absorption of certain drugs. Consult your physician about potential interactions with your current medications |
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warnings and precautions | 1 | Monitor for and report any unusual side effects. | 2 | May cause some mild gastrointestinal side effects. | 3 | Take with food. | 4 | Avoid driving or operating machinery if dizziness or lightheadedness occurs. | 5 | Inform your physician if you are taking other medications. | 6 | Not recommended for long-term use unless indicated by a physician. |
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additional information | 1 | Adhere to the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment. | 2 | Complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear. | 3 | Consult a physician for any possible complications. |
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patient details | |