An appropriate mebendazole dose can depend on the type of parasitic infection, a patient’s age, and medical history. This medication is available to treat a broad range of intestinal nematode infections which can be contracted through drinking contaminated food and water. Before a patient starts mebendazole, a test may be recommended to find out which organisms are responsible for an infection to make sure the patient gets the right treatment. An interview can also provide important medical history that might affect the dosage.
Dosing can range from a single 100 milligram dose to knock out an infection to 100 milligrams twice a day for three to five days for more complex infections. Pinworms can often be treated in a single dose format, while other organisms may need a longer course of therapy. After the patient finishes treatment, a second test can determine if worms are still present. If they are, the mebendazole dose can be repeated or a medical provider may consider another medication.
Some patients may need to take mebendazole and another medication, in which case it is important to check for drug interactions. In very young patients, the dose may need to be adjusted for weight, while pregnant patients can be bad candidates for this medication because not enough information is available on its safety in pregnancy. A history of liver or kidney impairment could also affect a mebendazole dose, because this could interfere with safe metabolism of the medication.
The most common side effects involve gastrointestinal discomfort. Patients may experience cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting in association with the medication. These are typically transient and should resolve when the patient’s therapy is over. If they grow severe or the patient vomits after taking the drug and it’s unclear whether the mebendazole dose actually reached the gut, a medical professional can determine if the patient should switch medications or repeat the dose. A history of bad reactions can be important to note so the patient will know to avoid this drug in the future.
Parasitic infections are extremely common, and when they are not treated, they can cause complications like malnutrition. In regions where nematodes are endemic and patients commonly present with this complaint, some may choose to have the medication on hand before they start to get sick as a preventative measure. They can start taking a mebendazole dose immediately without waiting for a medical appointment, allowing them to act quickly to treat parasitic infections.
