Vermox Generic Mebendazole provides a ready cure for infections caused by worms. Mebendazole, an Anthelmintic, is successful in killing and expelling intestinal parasites that cause infections like: Enterobiasis [Pinworm], Strongyloidiasis [Threadworm], Trichuriasis [Whipworm], Ascarisis [Common Roundworm], and Hookworm. It’s a short-term medicine meant for children [above 2] and adults, but if the infection lingers beyond 3 weeks, a second course with the medicine becomes necessary. The medicine can be taken with water, or mixed with ice cream, pudding, milk or cheese.

Vermox Generic Mebendazole is a highly popular medicine for treating various diseases caused by helminths [worms] in children and adults, and is available in tablet formulation as well as oral suspension. The medical compound targets the intestinal cells of the invading parasites by inhibiting the assembly of microtubules, which causes glycogen depletion and loss of energy in the adult worms and their larvae, which immobilizes the helminths, finally causing them to perish.

Threadworm infection or Strongyloidiasis is caused by a roundworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, that inhabit the soil, and is transmitted when a person walks barefoot on the infected soil. Trichuriasis or Whipworm infection occurs more in children as they play in soil that is infested with the eggs of the Trichuris trichiura. Enterobiasis or Pinworm infection occurs when children swallow the eggs of the pinworms; it is a common worm infection and assails the large intestines. This infection can spread to other members of the household, as the worms become active in the child’s anus at night and spread to clothes and bedclothes, from where they can be picked up by other family members. This is the most dangerous kind of infection for these eggs float in the ear – can settle anywhere – and can be accidentally swallowed by other household members.

Sometimes soil which is contaminated by human feces, or uncooked food contaminated by this soil, proves to be a haven for a roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and when food thus infected gets eaten, it leads to Ascariasis. This infection is also more commonly found in children than adults. Hookworm infection is also caused by roundworms – Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale – which affect the small intestines and lungs, with the larvae entering the bloodstream through the skin, and traveling to the small intestines where they develop into adult worms.

As these diseases are a result of infection by worms, mostly picked up from the sub-soil, it is essential to maintain strict hygiene, by bathing and laundering [all clothes and linen] daily, as well as disinfecting toilets and bathrooms regularly. Particular attention should be paid to washing hands and fingernails thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, and before having meals.

Once any parasitic infestation takes place, it can take several days for all the parasites to be expelled from the intestines. The dosage is different for the various worm infections. For treating Enterobiasis and Strongyloidiasis infections, a single tablet of Vermox is given to children above 2 as well as to adults; while for treating Hookworm, Trichuriasis and Roundworm infections, 2 tablets are given twice a day for 3 days – one each in the morning and evening. If the infection is not cured within 3 weeks, a second course of treatment has to be given to the patient. The full course of the medicine must be taken, because even if the symptoms disappear, an early halt to the medicine will not kill all the parasites and the infection can return. The dose has to be taken as advised, but should never be doubled.

In cases where a regular dose pattern is being adhered to, but there is a heavy expulsion of worms, the patient can experience abdominal pain and/or diarrhea that will only subside once all the parasites leave the body. If gastrointestinal problems take place because of an accidental overdose, vomiting and purging should be induced, to give relief to the patient.

Before beginning treatment with Vermox, while giving your medical history to the gastroenterologist/physician, make a special mention if you have suffered from Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, any kind of liver disease, if you are anemic, or an alcoholic, or use caffeine frequently, smoke a lot, or use banned drugs. Your treating doctor should know if you have any known allergies to any food / medicine / preservatives / dyes. This drug is not recommended for pregnant women as Mebendazole crosses the placenta and can cause defects in the fetus; it is also not recommended for children below 2 years of age.

The medication does not have many side effects though there could be a loss of appetite, feeling of nausea or vomiting, headache, or drowsiness and lightheadness. If these symptoms become severe, or some other rare symptoms occur that include passing of dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bleeding or bruising, fever, or difficulty in breathing, then emergency medical help has to be sought immediately. Vermox cannot be given to those who are allergic to Mebendazole, and those who are taking Metronidazole. Vermox has an interaction with anticonvulsant medicines like Carbamazepine, Ethotoin, Mephenytoin, and Phenytoin. Those taking medication for ulcers, such as Cimetidine, also cannot take Vermox at the same time.

Vermox has to be stored at a room temperature between 20oC-25oC away from heat, light and dampness, as well as children and pets. The silver lining on the cloud is that this medicine gives you an excuse to indulge in ice cream and puddings, as it works well when taken with these sweet dishes!