Health Library Mebendazole for the Treatment of PinwormsFrom Healthwise

Mebendazole is available by prescription only. It is a chewable tablet given in two doses about two weeks apart. The second treatment is needed to kill any pinworms that have hatched after the first treatment.

Mebendazole kills both immature worms and adult pinworms over a period of 2 to 3 days. It does not kill pinworm eggs.

Mebendazole is used to treat pinworm infections. It may also be used when infection persists after using pyrantel pamoate (a nonprescription medication).

Mebendazole should not be taken by pregnant women, breast-feeding women, or children younger than 2 years of age.

Mebendazole is highly effective and cures pinworm infections more than 90% of the time.¹

Side effects are rare but may include:

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Children younger than age 2 should only take this medication on the advice of a doctor.

Pregnant women and breast-feeding women should not take mebendazole without first consulting a health professional.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Bundy DAP, et al. (2000). Nematodes limited to the intestinal tract (Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, and Capillaria philippinensis). In GT Strickland, ed., Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 8th ed., pp. 719–721. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Author:	Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: October 2, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.