Vermox

Vermox is used to treat worm infections (pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms).

It is an anthelmintic drug. It kills worms by preventing them from absorbing sugar (source of energy) and expels worm out of the body.

It is available in suspension and chewable tablet form only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Vermox, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about condition such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: It should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 2 years of age as safety and efficacy have not been established. However, it is not expected to cause any different side effects in children older than 2 years of age than adults.

Elderly: They are no studies done which show how it works in the elderly patient. However, it is not expected to cause any different side effects in the older patient than younger adults.

Pregnancy: It is a category C drug. It is not safe to use during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant while using Mebendazole.

Breast Feeding: There are no adequate studies which prove that Mebendazole passes into breast milk. If you are using Mebendazole while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions: Mebendazole may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He/she may want to change the dosage or drug.

Other Medical Conditions: Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Crohn's disease 
• Liver disease 
• Ulcerative colitis

Proper usage of Vermox requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

Take it by mouth with food (especially fatty one such as ice cream or milk). You can crush and mix it with food. Chew it thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking Mebendazole for hookworms, roundworms or whipworms, take a full course of treatment. Do not miss the dose. Some patients may require a second course of this medicine.

If you are taking Mebendazole for pinworms take a full course of treatment. Patients usually require a second course of this medicine. Pinworms get easily spread among family members and so they need to be treated along to prevent reinfection or infection in a family member.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

Chewable tablet forms:

• For roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms infections:
  • Adults and children 2 years of age and over 100 milligrams (mg) two times a day, morning and evening, for three days.
• For pinworms infection:
  • Adults and children 2 years of age and over 100 mg once a day for one day.
• For more than one worm infection at a time:
  • Adults and children 2 years of age and over 100 mg two times a day, morning and evening, for three days.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Vermox, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may want to do a blood test to check any unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within 3 weeks of its use or they become worse, inform your doctor. Do not use more than recommended dose. Pinworm infection spreads easily to family members and close contacts.

To prevent reinfection:

Disinfect toilet and change and wash underwear, bed linens, towels, clothes, and pajamas daily. Do not shake clothes, towels, or bed linens before washing.

Wash hands with soap often during the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Do not scratch the infected area or place your fingers in your mouth. Wear shoes.

You may become anemic with hookworm and whipworm infections. Take iron supplements to treat anemia. Your doctor may want you to continue taking iron supplements for up to 6 months.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Vermox to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Diarrhea
• stomach pain

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.