Mebendazole: what it treats and how to use it safely
Mebendazole is a common anti-worm drug that targets intestinal parasites like pinworms, roundworms, whipworm and some hookworms. It works by stopping worms from using sugar, which weakens and kills them. People like it because it usually acts fast and has limited absorption into the body.
If you suspect a worm infection—itchy bottom at night, visible worms in stool or steady tummy pain—get tested or talk to a clinician before taking medication. Treating without a clear diagnosis can miss other issues and lead to unnecessary drug use.
Typical dosing and timing
Doses vary by infection type and country. For pinworms many guidelines recommend a single 100 mg chewable tablet for adults and children, with a second dose after two weeks to stop reinfection. For roundworm or mixed infections, longer courses or repeated doses over several days may be used. Follow local medical advice or the label from your pharmacy.
Give children the chewable tablet or a crushed dose if they can’t swallow pills. If vomiting occurs within an hour of the dose, tell your clinician—repeat dosing may be needed.
Safety, side effects and pregnancy
Side effects are usually mild: tummy pain, diarrhea, headache or occasional rash. Serious reactions are rare but possible—severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting or signs of allergy (hives, swelling, breathing trouble) need urgent care. Mebendazole can affect the liver in rare cases, so tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
Pregnancy is a special case. Many guidelines advise avoiding mebendazole, especially in the first trimester. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, discuss safer alternatives with your healthcare provider.
In some places mebendazole is available over the counter for pinworm; in other places you need a prescription. Always check local rules and buy from a reputable pharmacy.
Two practical tips that really matter: treat household contacts and clean the environment. Worms spread easily in households. Wash hands often, cut nails short, wash bedding and underwear in hot water, and vacuum living areas. Treat everyone who lives with the infected person at the same time when your clinician recommends it.
Don’t mix mebendazole with odd home remedies or random antibiotics. Tell your doctor about other medicines you use—some drugs can change how mebendazole acts. If you have liver problems or are on other long-term meds, get specific advice.
Bottom line: mebendazole is effective for common intestinal worms when used correctly. Get a diagnosis, follow dosing instructions, treat close contacts, and check with a clinician about pregnancy or liver issues. If symptoms continue after treatment, return for follow-up testing rather than repeating medicine on your own.
