Mebendazole

Mebendazole (MBZ), sold under the brand name Vermox among others, is a <a href="/facts/Medication/h9mhwWP2">medication</a> used to treat a number of <a href="/facts/Parasitic_worm/V9wRobaA">parasitic worm</a> infestations. This includes <a href="/facts/Ascariasis/0FWWf6fg">ascariasis</a>, <a href="/facts/Pinworm_infection/CkqEXkKy">pinworm infection</a>, <a href="/facts/Hookworm_infection/4TJ05ofw">hookworm infections</a>, <a href="/facts/Dracunculiasis/gVcneqAs">guinea worm infections</a> and <a href="/facts/Hydatid_disease/0FnVxknd">hydatid disease</a>, among others. It has been used for treatment of <a href="/facts/Giardiasis/307cHWb7">giardiasis</a> but is not a preferred agent. It is taken <a href="/facts/Oral_administration/vNQcvLVx">by mouth</a>.
Mebendazole is usually well tolerated. Common side effects include <a href="/facts/Headache/mdmmC9DP">headache</a>, vomiting, and <a href="/facts/Tinnitus/QNjx4EJp">ringing in the ears</a>. If used at large doses it may cause <a href="/facts/Bone_marrow_suppression/NEdoL9nj">bone marrow suppression</a>. It is unclear if it is safe in pregnancy. Mebendazole is a broad-spectrum <a href="/facts/Antihelminthic_agent/2p02KN0X">antihelminthic agent</a> of the <a href="/facts/Benzimidazole/21Ml91Tr">benzimidazole</a> type.
Mebendazole came into use in 1971, after it was developed by <a href="/facts/Janssen_Pharmaceutica/LLI9aNQL">Janssen Pharmaceutica</a> in <a href="/facts/Belgium/YKuMXP5j">Belgium</a>. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. Mebendazole is available as a <a href="/facts/Generic_medication/IF6AXDVX">generic medication</a>.

Mebendazole open-in-new

Mebendazole