(mebendazole) 2 tablet pack
Consumer Medicine Information
Threadworms
Worms, or helminths, are well developed parasites with a number of species of medical importance to humans. Light infestations, particularly of gastro-intestinal helminths, may be asymptomatic but poor sanitation and hygiene when eating or handling food may lead to re-infestation.
Threadworms measure up to half an inch in length and look like threads of cotton. They can be seen, often moving, in stools, and are the most common worm complaint dealt with in pharmacies. They are highly contagious and eggs can remain viable outside the body for several weeks. Children often pick up the eggs by sharing toys, food, school books and even pencils and get infected when the eggs are transferred to their mouths. The most common symptom is severe itching around the anus, particularly at night. Ridworm is available as a one-off, single dose tablet which should kill all worms. Re-infestation is unlikely if hygiene rules are followed. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Description
Mebendazole belongs to a family of medicines called anthelmintics. Anthelmintics are medicines used in the treatment of worm infestations. 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.
To help clear up this infestation completely, take this medicine exactly as directed or recommended by your doctor.
Threadworms 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. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Dosage
Adults and children of 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.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This is to make sure that the infestation is cleared up completely. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor. In some patients, threadworms 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.
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 2 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