thiabendazole Health Article

Generic name(s):

thiabendazole

Brand name(s):

Mintezol

What is the most important information I should know about thiabendazole?

Take thiabendazole with food to lessen stomach upset. Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding treatment; washing of clothes, linens, and towels; and household disinfecting. Pinworm infections are easily spread from one person to another.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Thiabendazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is thiabendazole?

Thiabendazole is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in the body.

Thiabendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms such as threadworm. Thiabendazole may also be used to treat pinworm (when it occurs with threadworm), hookworm, whipworm, roundworm, and trichinosis.

Thiabendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thiabendazole?

Before taking thiabendazole, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take thiabendazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any other medical conditions.

Thiabendazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take thiabendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether thiabendazole passes into breast milk. Do not take thiabendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Children who weigh less than 30 pounds should not use thiabendazole unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

How should I take thiabendazole?

Take thiabendazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. Measure each dose with a dose-measuring dropper, spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon, to ensure that you measure the correct amount of medicine. Ask your pharmacist where you can get a dose-measuring device if you do not have one. Take each dose with food to lessen stomach upset.

Doses are usually taken twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

It may take 2 days or more for the treatment to remove the worm from the stomach and intestines. Repeat treatment is usually necessary in 7 days to prevent reinfection.

Fasting, laxatives, or purging will not help to cure the infection.

Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.

To prevent reinfection, toilets must be disinfected daily, and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be changed and washed daily.

Store thiabendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a thiabendazole overdose might include changes in vision and changes in behavior or personality.

What should I avoid while taking thiabendazole?

Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.

Toilets must be disinfected daily and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be changed and washed daily to prevent reinfection.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Thiabendazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.