Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially in infections in which high doses are needed. This is to make sure that the infection is cleared up completely, and to allow your doctor to check for any unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed.

If your symptoms do not improve after you have taken this medicine for the full course of treatment, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Mebendazole can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine.

For patients taking mebendazole for pinworms:

  • Pinworms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially among persons in the same household. Therefore, all household members may have to be treated at the same time to prevent infection or reinfection.
  • Some doctors may also recommend other measures to help keep your infection from returning. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

For patients taking mebendazole for hookworms or whipworms:

  • In hookworm and whipworm infections, anemia may occur. Therefore, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements to help clear up the anemia.
  • It is important to take iron every day during treatment and for 6 months after you stop taking mebendazole. Do not miss any doses. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

In some patients, infections may return after treatment with mebendazole. To help prevent the infection from coming back:

  • Wash hands and fingernails often, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook them well.
  • Clean the bedroom floor by vacuuming or damp mopping for several days after treatment with this medicine. Avoid dry sweeping that may stir up the dust.
  • Wash (not shake) all beddings and nightclothes (pajamas).
  • Wear tight underpants both day and night. Change them daily. Also, wear shoes.
  • Use the bathroom and keep the toilet seats clean.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions when taken together with metronidazole. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loose skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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