From the FDA Drug Label
Mebendazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), For the treatment of pinworms.
The treatment for Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infection is:
From the Research
Pinworm infections can be effectively treated with medications such as mebendazole (100 mg) or albendazole (400 mg), given in a single dose and repeated in two weeks, as these are the most effective and safest options, according to the most recent and highest quality study 3. The treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection typically involves the use of anthelmintic medications.
- The drugs of choice for the treatment of pinworm infestation are mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and albendazole, with mebendazole and albendazole being the most effective and safest options 3.
- For pyrantel pamoate, the recommended dose is 11 mg per kg of body weight (maximum 1 gram), while mebendazole is typically taken as a single 100 mg dose, and albendazole as a single 400 mg dose 3.
- Treatment should be repeated after two weeks to kill any newly hatched worms, as the medications only kill the adult worms and not the eggs 3.
- Since pinworms spread easily within households, all family members should be treated simultaneously, even if they don't have symptoms, to prevent reinfection 3.
- Additionally, good personal hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, especially after bowel movements and before meals, clipping of fingernails, avoidance of finger-sucking, nail-biting, and scratching in the anogenital area, are important preventive measures 3. The most recent and highest quality study 3 provides the best evidence for the treatment of pinworm infections, and its findings should be prioritized over older studies, such as 4, 5, 6, and 7.