What you need to know about Mebendazole tablets for worm infections

Worms are very common in our homes, especially where there are young children, aren't they? Playing with dirt and eating food without washing your hands properly increases the risk of contracting these parasitic infections. So, at times like these, a medicine that a doctor will often recommend to you or your child is Mebendazole. Today, let's talk about how to use this medicine exactly and what you need to be careful about.

What kind of medicine is Mebendazole?

Simply put, mebendazole is a medicine that is used to kill parasites, especially worms, that enter our bodies. This medicine damages the worms' cells and stops them from absorbing the sugar (glucose) they need. The worms then starve and die within a few days.

It is used to treat a number of infections, including pinworms, hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms, which are common among us.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health condition. So be sure to inform him or her about these facts.

• If you have an allergy to mebendazole or any other medicine, food, or dye, please tell us about it first.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is something you should definitely tell your doctor about.
• If you have any liver disease, please inform us about it.
• Give your doctor a complete list of other medications you are currently taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).

The medicine should be used in the right way.

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

Imagine that the doctor prescribed this medicine for you. Here's how to use it:

1. This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor has instructed. Usually, this pill should be chewed or crushed with a little water and taken. Do not swallow the pill whole. This is done so that the medicine can work properly in the intestines.

2. You can take it before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.

3. You should take this medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine halfway through, thinking that your symptoms have subsided. Doing so may cause the infection to return without being completely cured.

4. When giving to children: Doctors recommend this medicine for children over one year old. However, since there are precautions involved, the dose given by the doctor should be given exactly as prescribed.

What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

Imagine that you have taken more medicine than prescribed. If this happens, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

There are other medications that can interact with mebendazole. The most common one is metronidazole . Taking these two medications together can sometimes cause a serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

Do these things to prevent the spread of worm infestation

Worm infestations are something that can easily spread from one person in a household to another. Therefore, other family members may need treatment as well. Be sure to do these things to stop the infection from spreading.

• Personal cleanliness:
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
• Keep your nails short and clean them thoroughly. Worm eggs can remain under your nails.
• Shower every day.
• Wear tight-fitting underwear (day and night). Change and wash it daily.
• Home cleanliness:
• Wash items like bed sheets, pillowcases, underwear, and towels in hot water and dry them thoroughly in the sun.
• Clean the toilet regularly with disinfectant.
• Vacuum or damp mop the bedroom floor for a few days after treatment. Avoid sweeping or shaking the bed sheets, as pinworm eggs can become airborne with dust.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, mebendazole can cause side effects in some people. But don't worry, most of the time these aren't serious.

How do you protect your medicine?

Always store medicines in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets . Do not use expired medicines. They should be thrown away. The best thing to do is to hand them over to the old medicine collection programs at government hospitals or some pharmacies. If that is not possible, and you are throwing them away with the trash, take the pills out of the packet, mix them with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them in the trash. Never flush medicines down the toilet.

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