Ridworm
(mebendazole) 6 tablet pack
Consumer Medicine Information
Description
Mebendazole belongs to a family of medicines called anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are medicines used in the treatment of worm infestations. Ridworm is used to treat infestations of:
- Common roundworms (acariasis);
- Hookworms (uncinariasis)
- Threadworms (enterobiasis oxyuriasis)
- Whipworms (trichuriasis); and more than one infestation at a time.
This medicine may also be used for other worm infestations as determined by your doctor.
Ridworm works by keeping the worm from absorbing sugar (glucose). This gradually causes loss of energy and death of the worm.
Before Using This Medicine
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you.
- are allergic to any medicine, either prescription or non-prescription (OTC);
- are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while using this medicine;
- are breast-feeding;
- are taking any other prescription or non-prescription (OTC) medicine;
- have any other medical problems, especially liver disease.
Proper Use Of This Medicine
Read these patient directions carefully before taking this medicine
No special preparation or other steps (for example, special diets, fasting, other medicines, laxatives or enemas) are necessary before, during or immediately after taking Ridworm. Ridworm tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and mixed with food.
For patients taking Ridworm for hookworm, roundworm or whipworm:
- To help clear up this infestation completely, take this medicine exactly as directed or recommended by your doctor for the time of treatment. In some patients, a second course of this medicine may be required to clear up the infestation completely. Do not miss any doses.
For patients taking Ridworm for thread worms:
- To help clear up this infestation completely, take this medicine exactly as directed or recommended by your doctor.
- Thread worms may be easily passed from one person to another, especially in a household. Therefore all household members may have to be treated at the same time. This helps to prevent infestation or reinfestation of other household members.
Dosage
The dose of Ridworm will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders, or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of Ridworm. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depends on the medical problem for which you are taking Ridworm.
For common roundworms, hookworms and whipworms:
- Adults and children two years of age and over: 100 milligrams two times a day, morning and evening for three days. Treatment may need to be repeated in two or three weeks if infestation persists.
- Children up to two years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For thread worms:
- Adults and children two years of age and over: 100 milligrams once a day for one day. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
- Children up to two years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is important that your doctor checks your progress at regular visits, especially in infestations for which high doses are needed. This is to make sure that the infestation is cleared up completely and to allow your doctor to check for any unwanted effects.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
For patients taking Ridworm for thread worms:
In some patients, thread worms may return after treatment with Ridworm. Washing (not shaking) all bedding and night clothes (pyjamas) after treatment may help prevent this.
Some doctors may also recommend other measures to keep your infestation from returning. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
For patients taking Ridworm for hookworms or whipworms:
In hookworm and whipworm infestations, anaemia may occur. Therefore, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements to help clear up the anaemia. If so, it is important to take iron every day while you are being treated for hookworms or whipworms: do not miss any doses. Your doctor may also want you to keep taking iron supplements for up to six months after you stop taking Ridworm. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Side Effects Of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare: Fever, skin rash or itching, sore throat and fever, unusual tiredness and weakness, dizziness, hair loss and headache.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
Less Common: Abdominal or stomach pain or upset; diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Storage
To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children. Store below 30°C away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicines or medicines no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Presentation
Pack of 6 tablets
Distributor
Douglas Pharmaceuticals Australia Limited
3/10 Inglewood Place
Norwest Business Park
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Date of Preparation: 11 September 2003
Published by MIMS February 2004
