Mebentel 500 mg (Mebendazole)

What Is Mebentel 500 mg?

Mebentel 500 mg is a mebendazole-containing anthelmintic medicine. Anthelmintics are medicines designed to eliminate parasitic worms from the body.

Mebendazole is used for susceptible intestinal worm infections, which can include roundworm, whipworm, pinworm/threadworm and certain hookworm infections. However, recommended treatment regimens are not identical for every parasite.

For reliable information about mebendazole, patients can refer to DailyMed’s mebendazole prescribing information and the NHS mebendazole medicine guide.

How Does Mebentel 500 mg Work?

Mebentel 500 mg works through the action of mebendazole. The medicine interferes with the formation of microtubules within susceptible worms and affects their ability to use glucose effectively.

Without sufficient glucose and energy, the parasites gradually lose the ability to maintain essential functions. They eventually die and are eliminated naturally from the intestinal tract.

Mebendazole treats susceptible worms already present in the body, but it does not provide long-term protection against future infections. Maintaining good personal and household hygiene can therefore be an important part of preventing reinfection.

How to Take Mebentel 500 mg

Take Mebentel 500 mg exactly as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist or the directions supplied with the product. The appropriate dose depends on the type of parasite being treated and the formulation prescribed.

For example, the US prescribing information for one 500 mg mebendazole chewable formulation uses a single 500 mg dose for certain worm infections. This does not mean that every worm infection or every mebendazole product should be treated using the same schedule.

If you are uncertain about your diagnosis or dosage, consult a healthcare professional rather than taking additional or repeated doses yourself. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Side Effects

Like other medicines, Mebentel 500 mg can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Reported effects of mebendazole can include abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, gas and reduced appetite.

Allergic reactions and serious skin reactions are uncommon but require medical attention. Seek prompt medical help if you experience difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe rash, blistering or peeling of the skin.

Prolonged or higher-dose mebendazole treatment may require closer medical supervision because additional adverse effects have been reported with extended treatment.

Warnings & Interactions

Tell your healthcare professional about your current medicines and medical conditions before taking Mebentel 500 mg. Do not use the medicine if you have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction to mebendazole or another ingredient in the product.

An important interaction involves metronidazole. Serious skin reactions have been reported when mebendazole and metronidazole were used together, and current US prescribing information recommends avoiding concomitant use.

Children, pregnant women and people requiring prolonged treatment should receive appropriate professional guidance before using mebendazole.

Safety Advice

🫀 Liver Disease

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or abnormal liver function. Mebendazole is metabolised by the liver, and people with significant liver problems may require additional medical consideration, especially during prolonged treatment.

🫘 Kidney Impairment

If you have kidney disease, inform your healthcare provider before treatment. A healthcare professional can assess your medical history and determine whether Mebentel 500 mg is appropriate for you.

🤰 Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before taking Mebentel 500 mg. The potential benefits and risks should be considered according to the individual situation.

🍷 Alcohol & Things to Avoid

Tell your healthcare professional about other medicines you use, particularly metronidazole. Avoid combining worm treatments unless specifically instructed.

Good hygiene is also important. Wash your hands regularly, keep fingernails clean and follow appropriate guidance for washing clothes and bedding to help reduce transmission and reinfection.

Storage

Keep Mebentel 500 mg in its original packaging and follow the storage temperature stated on the product label. Protect the medicine from inappropriate heat and moisture and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not use tablets after the expiry date or if the packaging has been damaged. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired medicine safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mebentel 500 mg used for?

Mebentel 500 mg contains mebendazole and is used to treat certain intestinal worm infections. The exact treatment depends on the parasite involved.

How does Mebentel 500 mg work?

Mebendazole interferes with processes worms require to obtain and use energy. This gradually causes susceptible worms to die and be removed from the intestinal tract.

Is Mebentel 500 mg taken as a single dose?

Some 500 mg mebendazole formulations use a single dose for specific infections. However, dosing varies by infection and product, so follow your medicine’s instructions or professional advice.

Can worms come back after treatment?

Yes. Treatment does not prevent a new infection. Proper handwashing and household hygiene can help reduce reinfection and transmission.

Can Mebentel 500 mg be taken with metronidazole?

Concurrent mebendazole and metronidazole use should generally be avoided because serious skin reactions have been reported. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have been prescribed both medicines.