Mebex (Mebendazole 100mg) Tablets

Mebex general information

What is Mebex used for?

Mebex tablets 100mg are used to treat infestations with intestinal parasitic nematode worms in adults and children over 2 years.  These include Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm/threadworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm).  Infection usually occurs by direct contact with contaminated soil and the larval worms enter the blood stream, migrate to the lungs and are then swallowed.  Infection can also occur by ingestion of the eggs, which can be transferred by scratching the anal area or by eating food contaminated with the eggs.  Once in the host intestine, the larvae mature into adults and produce eggs, which hatch and the next generation of larvae are excreted in the faeces or migrate to other parts of the body and thereby reinfect the same host.  Symptoms include a rash at the site of larval penetration, usually the feet, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting); other symptoms include low-grade fever, coughing and wheezing, due to the migration of larvae through the lungs.  Severe infection can be more serious if the parasite spreads throughout the body.  Mebex tablets 100mg work through the same mechanism to kill the parasite causing these infections and thereby treat the infection to relieve symptoms and prevent spread of infection. 

How does Mebex work?

Mebex tablets 100mg contain mebendazole, an anthelmintic that is used to treat infestations with intestinal parasitic nematode worms.  Mebendazole in Mebex tablets 100mg is effective against all stages of the parasite and works by inhibiting the formation of microtubules in the cells of the parasite tegument (protective covering) and intestinal wall, resulting in a disruption of the metabolism of the parasite, including impaired glucose uptake, which depletes energy stores and eventually paralyses the parasite, which then dies. 

What does Mebex contain?

Mebex tablets 100mg contain active ingredient mebendazole, an anthelmintic that is used to treat infestations with intestinal parasitic nematode worms.  

Treating parasitic worm infestations with Mebex

Mebex tablets 100mg contain mebendazole, an anthelmintic that is used to treat infestations with intestinal parasitic nematode worms, including Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm/threadworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm).  Infection is usually by direct contact with contaminated soil and the larval worms enter the blood stream, migrate to the lungs and are then swallowed, or by ingestion of the eggs, which then hatch and the larvae mature to produce eggs, which hatch and the next generation of larvae are excreted in the faeces or migrate to other parts of the body and thereby reinfect the same host.  Symptoms include a rash at the site of larval penetration, usually the feet, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting); other symptoms include low-grade fever, coughing and wheezing, due to the migration of larvae through the lungs.  Severe infection can be more serious if the parasite spreads throughout the body.  Mebendazole in Mebex tablets 100mg is effective against all stages of the parasite and works by inhibiting the formation of microtubules in the cells of the parasite tegument (protective covering), causing damage to the cell structure, and the intestinal wall, resulting in a disruption of the metabolism of the parasite, including impaired glucose uptake, which depletes energy stores and eventually paralyses the parasite, which then dies.  Mebex tablets 100mg work through the same mechanism to kill the parasite causing these infections and thereby treat the infection to relieve symptoms and prevent spread of infection. 

What are the side effects of Mebex?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Mebex tablets 100mg include abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, flatulence. 

When should Mebex not be used?

You should not use Mebex tablets 100mg if you:

• are allergic to mebendazole or any ingredients in Mebex
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver disease
• have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• are taking medicines that interact with Mebex including the antifungal metronidazole and cimetidine for ulcers

How should Mebex be taken?

You should take your Mebex tablets 100mg swallowed whole with a glass of water and with or without food, either as a single dose, and again 2 weeks later, if reinfection is suspected, or twice daily morning and evening for 3 consecutive days, depending on which worm you are infected with.  The dose you take, how often and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.  You should continue to take your Mebex tablets 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Mebex?

You should continue to take your Mebex tablets 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Mebex

If you miss a dose of Mebex tablets 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Mebex be stored?

You should store your Mebex tablets 100mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.