Home Drug Guide Mebendazole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Mebendazole

Brand Names Vermox, Emverm

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic

Pharmacological: Anthelmintic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of helminthic infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and pinworms

Mechanism of Action

Mebendazole works by inhibiting microtubule synthesis in helminths, disrupting their glucose uptake and depleting their energy sources, which leads to immobilization and eventual death of the parasites.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Varying based on infection type: typically 100 mg twice daily for 1-3 days; Emverm dosage varies as per specific instructions.

Pediatric: Doses are weight-based, commonly 100 mg twice daily for 1-3 days.

Geriatric: Adjust dosage based on renal and hepatic function, generally similar to adult doses.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment recommended, but caution advised.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract; enhanced when taken with fatty meals.

Distribution: Widely distributed, largely confined to gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic metabolism with formation of inactive metabolites.

Excretion: Hepatic metabolism with excretion mainly via feces; minimal renal excretion.

Half Life: Approximately 2-4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to mebendazole or benzimidazoles
  • Pregnancy (especially during the first trimester) unless benefits justify risks.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in hepatic impairment, monitor liver function during prolonged therapy.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Abdominal pain (Common)
  • Diarrhea (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)
  • Vomiting (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
  • Leukopenia (Rare)
  • Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Albendazole (may increase toxicity)

Drug-Food Interactions

  • High-fat meals enhance absorption, which can increase effects and side effects.

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for adverse reactions, especially hepatic function during prolonged therapy.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for digestive disturbances
  • Potential for allergic reaction

Implementation: Administer with a fatty meal to enhance absorption; observe for side effects.

Evaluation: Assess symptom resolution and monitor liver function tests if therapy is extended.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication with fatty meals to improve absorption.
  • Complete the full course of therapy.
  • Report any signs of liver problems or allergic reactions.
  • Practice good hygiene to prevent reinfection.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Carcinogenic and teratogenic potential seen in animal studies, contraindicated during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

Genetic Factors: None well established.

Lab Test Interference: May cause transient elevations in liver enzymes.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea.

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, and symptomatic management.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions for shelf life.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.