From the Guidelines
Mebendazole (Vermox) is commonly prescribed for treating intestinal worm infections in both children and adults, with a recommended dose of 100 mg twice daily in combination with ivermectin PO 200 μg/kg once daily for 3 days for whipworm infections. For most common worm infections, the treatment regimen may vary, but for whipworm infections, this combination treatment is recommended to improve cure rates 1.
Key Considerations
- The prepatent period for whipworm infections is 60–70 days, and the mode of transmission is faeco-oral route 1.
- Clinical presentation can be asymptomatic, but heavy infections can cause significant morbidity in children, including anemia, dysentery, rectal prolapse, and impaired growth and cognitive development 1.
- Investigations for whipworm infections include concentrated stool microscopy or faecal PCR 1.
- Treatment with mebendazole and ivermectin is recommended for 3 days, with low cure rates seen in heavy infections without combination treatment 1.
Special Considerations
- Children under 2 years should only receive treatment under direct medical supervision.
- Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking mebendazole as safety during pregnancy hasn't been fully established.
- It's essential to treat all household members simultaneously to prevent reinfection, wash bedding and underwear in hot water, and maintain good hygiene practices, including thorough handwashing.
- For severe infections or if symptoms persist after treatment, follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended.
From the Research
Common Vermox Prescription
Vermox, also known as mebendazole, is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug used to treat various parasitic infections. The common prescription for Vermox varies depending on the type of infection and the patient's age.
Dosage for Kids and Adults
- For children and adults, the typical dose of mebendazole for intestinal nematode infections is 100 mg twice daily for 3 days 2.
- Albendazole, another broad-spectrum anthelmintic, is often prescribed as a single 400-mg dose for adults and children over 2 years old 3, 4.
- In some cases, albendazole may be prescribed for 3 consecutive days, especially for infections such as hymenolepiasis and taeniasis 3.
Efficacy and Safety
- Mebendazole has been shown to be effective against various parasitic infections, including ascariasis, hookworm infections, and trichuriasis 5, 2.
- Albendazole has also been found to be effective against a range of parasitic infections, including ascariasis, ancylostomiasis, and taeniasis 3, 4.
- Both mebendazole and albendazole are generally considered safe, with few side effects reported 6, 3, 4.
- However, there is a risk of emerging drug resistance, particularly with long-term use or repeated treatment 6, 5.