Mebendazole
Brands Names: Emverm, MEBEW, Mebex, Vermox
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
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Why is the drug here:
A basic drug for the treatment of pinworms in children (enterobiasis).
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Purpose of treatment:
Treatment for the vast majority of cases of pinworms in childen (Enterobius vermicularis).
- Ingredients: The active ingredient is called Mebendazole.
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How to use:
Dosage in adults and children over one year of age (with no regard to weight) is one dose of 100 milligrams (one pill or 5 cc of the suspension- remember to check the concentration of your drug before using) and the same dose after two weeks. The treatment between the ages of six months and one year is one dose of 50 milligrams (2.5 CC) and the same dose after two weeks. If after the first dose and before the second dose, more worms are seen, then I recommend repeating the same treatment regimen (another dose on the same day and another dose after two weeks).
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Benefits:
The drug is very safe for use in children and adults and side effects are not common. However, a recent study found an association between the drug and the risk of development of inflammatory bowel diseases. Read more here.
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Side Effects:
Not common. However, a recent study found that exposure to Mebendazole in childhood increases the risk of development of the inflammatory bowel diseases. Read more here.
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Another word from the doctor:
I recommend reading the chapter on the site dedicated to the pinworms infection in children (see the link next).