Mebendazole (Mebendazole)
Also sold as: Mebex, Wormin, Vermox
Pregnancy
Cat D
Lactation
Caution
Schedule
H
Forms
Tablet 100mg +2
Indications
- Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
- Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)
- Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
- Mixed intestinal worm infestations
Adult Dosing
Pinworm (Enterobius)
100 mg single dose
Single dose; repeat after 2 weeks (to eliminate re-infection from eggs)
Treat all household contacts simultaneously; wash all bedding and underwear on day of treatment
Roundworm / Hookworm / Whipworm
100 mg twice daily
3 days
Alternatively: 500mg single dose (chewable tablet) — equivalent efficacy for roundworm
Mixed intestinal nematode infestation
100 mg twice daily
3 days; or 500mg single dose
Pediatric Dosing
Not recommended in children <2 years due to limited data. IAP permits use >1 year with caution in mass deworming programmes.
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Any degree of renal impairment | No dose adjustment needed — mebendazole is minimally absorbed systemically (<10%); acts locally in the GI tract |
Hepatic Adjustment
The small systemically absorbed fraction undergoes hepatic metabolism. No specific dose adjustment required for routine intestinal infections. Limited data for prolonged use in hepatic impairment.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category D
Teratogenic in animals at high doses. Avoid in 1st trimester. Single-dose use after 1st trimester may be considered if infestation is severe — WHO permits mebendazole in pregnancy after first trimester for community deworming. Avoid prolonged courses.
Lactation: Caution
Due to minimal systemic absorption, excretion in breast milk is likely negligible. Single-dose treatment generally acceptable during breastfeeding.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Cimetidine | Inhibits hepatic metabolism of the small absorbed fraction — increases mebendazole plasma levels. Rarely clinically significant for routine gut infections (drug acts locally). Monitor if prolonged courses. | Moderate |
| Metronidazole | Rare reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis with the combination. Avoid concurrent use when possible. | Moderate |
| Rifampicin | Induces CYP enzymes — reduces the small systemically absorbed fraction of mebendazole. Unlikely to affect efficacy for gut infections (locally acting). | Moderate |
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Side Effects
Common
- Abdominal pain and cramping (especially with heavy worm burden — dying worms)
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Fever (mild — from dying parasites)
Serious / Discontinue If
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis — rare; documented cases especially with metronidazole combination
- Agranulocytosis — rare; reported with prolonged high-dose use
- Hepatotoxicity — rare; mainly with prolonged use
- Hypersensitivity reactions — urticaria, angioedema
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to mebendazole or other benzimidazoles
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Children <2 years (lack of safety data)
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Mebex 100mg | Cipla | ₹12/1 tab |
| Wormin 100mg | Sun Pharma | ₹10/1 tab |
| Vermox 100mg | Janssen (J&J) | ₹18/1 tab |
Monitoring Required
- No routine monitoring for single-dose or short-course treatment
- Stool examination 3–4 weeks post-treatment to confirm eradication in heavy infestations
- Haemoglobin and iron indices if hookworm-associated anaemia — treat iron deficiency concurrently
Patient Counseling Points
- Tablet can be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food
- For pinworm: treat the entire family at the same time — eggs spread very easily via hands and surfaces
- Wash hands thoroughly before meals and after toilet — this prevents re-infection
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels on the day of treatment
- Keep fingernails short and do not scratch the perianal area
- Take a second dose after 2 weeks for pinworm to kill any worms hatched from eggs after the first dose
- This medicine works in the gut and is mostly not absorbed into the bloodstream — it is very safe with minimal systemic effects
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Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Lalitha Krishnamurthy, MD (Paediatrics), DNB, Senior Consultant Paediatrics
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01
References
- WHO Model Formulary — Mebendazole Monograph
- Mebendazole Prescribing Information — Cipla India
- IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) Deworming Guidelines 2022
- WHO Guideline: Preventive chemotherapy to control soil-transmitted helminth infections 2017
- CDSCO Drug Monograph — Mebendazole