Can Vermox (Mebendazole) Tablets Be Crushed and Mixed with Food?
Yes, Vermox (mebendazole) tablets can be crushed and mixed with food such as yogurt. The FDA-approved prescribing information explicitly states that the tablet may be "chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food" 1.
Official Administration Guidelines
The FDA labeling provides clear flexibility in how mebendazole tablets can be administered 1:
- Tablets may be chewed
- Tablets may be swallowed whole
- Tablets may be crushed and mixed with food
However, it's important to note that the CDC recommends mebendazole tablets "should be chewed for optimal absorption" 2. This suggests that while crushing and mixing with food is acceptable, chewing may provide better bioavailability.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Powder Formulation
Research directly comparing powder versus tablet formulations demonstrates that both are effective 3:
- A study of strongyloidiasis treatment found 100% eradication rates with mebendazole powder (100 mg twice daily) 3
- The tablet formulation achieved 97.7% eradication rates using the same dosing schedule 3
- Both formulations showed similar safety profiles with minimal side effects 3
The powder formulation was specifically studied because researchers hypothesized it would provide "better contact with the parasites" in the upper digestive system 3.
Practical Considerations
For pediatric patients or those with swallowing difficulties, crushing the tablet and mixing with food like yogurt is a practical and FDA-approved approach 1. This method:
- Maintains drug efficacy
- Improves patient compliance, especially in children
- Does not require special preparation or fasting 1
Important Contraindications
Regardless of administration method, mebendazole should not be given to 2:
- Infants under 12 months of age
- Pregnant women