What is the recommended screening dose of mebendazole syrup for each age group?

Mebendazole Screening Dose by Age Group

For mass deworming/screening programs, administer mebendazole 500 mg as a single dose to children aged 2 years and older, or alternatively 100 mg twice daily for 3 days for children aged 12 months and older. 1, 2

Age-Specific Dosing for Screening/Preventive Chemotherapy

Children Under 12 Months

• Mebendazole is contraindicated in infants under 12 months of age 1
• Do not administer for screening purposes in this age group 1

Children 12-23 Months

• 100 mg twice daily for 3 days 1
• Discuss with an expert before empirical treatment in this age group 3
• The chewable formulation has not been extensively studied in children under 24 months 2

Children 24 Months (2 Years) and Older

• Single dose: 500 mg chewable tablet (preferred for mass screening programs) 2
• Alternative: 100 mg twice daily for 3 days 1
• Both regimens are safe and effective for preventive chemotherapy 2

Children Over 40 kg Body Weight

• Dose as adults regardless of age 3, 4
• Same dosing options as above (500 mg single dose or 100 mg twice daily for 3 days) 1

Important Administration Considerations

Formulation-Specific Guidance

• Chewable tablets should be chewed for optimal absorption 1
• The 500 mg chewable formulation was specifically developed for preventive chemotherapy programs and is safe in children aged 2-10 years 2
• Syrup formulations follow the same mg/kg dosing as tablets 1

Repeat Dosing for Screening Programs

• Repeat treatment at 8 weeks in endemic areas to treat any residual worms that have matured to adults 3
• Re-treatment may be necessary in areas with high reinfection rates 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not use in pregnancy - mebendazole is contraindicated in pregnant women 1
• Do not force young children to swallow tablets - use chewable formulations or syrup for children who cannot swallow pills 5
• The most common adverse events in the 2-5 year age group include diarrhea (11% overall adverse event rate), but these are generally mild and self-limited 2
• No difference in adverse events was observed between children aged 2-5 years versus 6-10 years in safety studies 2