Common uses

Vermox is used to treat threadworms and other common worm infections.

Before using

Before taking Vermox, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have.
Vermox is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Vermox without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Vermox passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Do not take Vermox without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Children younger than 2 years of age should not take Vermox unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Directions

Take Vermox exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Vermox tablets may be swallowed, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food.
Take all of the Vermox that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
It may be up to 3 days after treatment before the worm is removed from your stomach and intestines. The amount of time it takes to cure the infection depends on how susceptible the worm is to Vermox, and how quickly your own digestive system is moving. If the infection has not been cured within 3 weeks, a second treatment may be necessary.
Fasting, laxatives, and purging will not help cure this infection.
Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.
To prevent reinfection, toilets must be disinfected daily, and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be changed and washed daily.

Cautions

There are few precautions regarding Vermox. It should not be taken by children under two years of age and it should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are unsure about either of these restrictions then you should consult with a health professional. You should not take Vermox if you are allergic to, or have a hypersensitivity to, any of its ingredients. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling, extreme dizziness or difficulty breathing. Caution is required if you suffer from acute liver disease or are taking the anti-ulcer medication Cimetidine. In either of these cases, long-term treatment with mebendazole can lead to an excessive plasma concentration in the blood when the liver does not breakdown the mebendazole sufficiently. Caution should also be taken if you using the anticonvulsant Carbamazepine.

Possible side effects

Stop taking Vermox and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Vermox and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a fever.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Vermox overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Additional information

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages or performing other activities while taking Vermox.

Drug interactions

Medicines used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), ethotoin (Peganone), mephenytoin (Mesantoin), and carbamazepine (Tegretol), may decrease the effects of Vermox. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications so that your therapy can be monitored.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Vermox. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.