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mebendazole
(me BEN da zole)

What is this medicine?
MEBENDAZOLE (me BEN da zole) is an anthelmintic. It will kill some kinds of parasites. This medicine is used to treat infections of roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, and whipworms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

Mebendazole 100MG Chewable Tablets TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA1/$13.99 or 5/$29.97

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • fever or chills, sore throat
  • seizure
  • trouble breathing
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose can be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?

  • carbamazepine
  • cimetidine
  • phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

  • Hypersensitivity to the drug.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional after your treatment as directed. If you still have symptoms after 3 weeks you may need to be treated again. You may need blood work to check for anemia.

Some parasites are spread easily by close contact. Other people in your house may need treatment. Follow your doctor's directions on how to prevent the spread of the infection. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails and shower often. Wear tight fitting undergarments day and night. Change and wash them daily. Change and wash bedclothes and linens after treatment. Disinfect toilets as needed. For several days after treatment, vacuum or damp mop the bedroom floors. To avoid stirring up eggs trapped in dust, do not sweep floors or shake out personal items.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease
  • stomach, intestine or bowel disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to mebendazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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