Vermox
Mebendazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Vermox
Vermox is an antihelmintic (which kills worms) drug. It prevents worms from taking up glucose and die of starvation after its glucose stores are depleted.
Therapeutic Uses of Vermox
Vermox is used for treatment infestation caused by worms (whipworm, pinworm, and roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm). It is also used to treat mixed infestation (which is caused by more than one of these worms at the same time).
Direction of use of Vermox
Use Vermox as directed by your doctor of use it as follows:
- Vermox tablets may be swallowed, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food. They are available as chewable tablets. Treatment is for 3 days (1 tablet in the morning and the other in the evening for 3 days).
- It may be up to 3 days after treatment (treatment course is also 3 days) before the worms are removed from your body (stomach and intestines). The time it takes to cure the infestation depends on how susceptible the worms are to Vermox, and how quickly your own digestive system is moving. If the infestation has not been cured within 3 weeks, a second treatment may be necessary.
- Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary in worm infestation. Pinworm can spread easily to others who are in close contact with the infested person.
- There is no requirement of taking purgatives during treatment with Vermox.
- The dose of Vermox in children above 2 years of age is same as adult dose and below 2 years it is half the adult dose.
- Ask your health care provider if you have any question about how to use Vermox.
If You Miss a Dose of Vermox
Take the missed dose of Vermox as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
How to Store Vermox
Vermox should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) does no harm. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vermox out of the reach of children.
More Information About Vermox
Vermox should be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If you have any question about Vermox, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Vermox
- Do not take Vermox without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Vermox is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby (because enough data not available for this).
- Do not take Vermox if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Vermox.
- Children below 2 years of age should not take Vermox unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects of Vermox
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever etc. are minor side effects of Vermox. Do not stop Vermox if you experience any of the minor and less serious side effects.
- Stop taking Vermox and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction. The manifestations of allergic reaction are swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; hives etc.