Once you take the single 100 mg dose of Vermox, mebendazole begins paralyzing adult threadworms by disrupting their glucose uptake. Within 24–48 hours, most patients notice reduced perianal itching and may even see dead worms in the stool. The worms detach from the intestinal lining and are expelled naturally. Because eggs can hatch later, a repeat dose after two weeks is recommended to eradicate any newly emerged larvae. Combining the medication with strict hygiene measures, such as daily morning baths and hot bedding washes, maximizes efficacy and prevents reinfestation.

Vermox has minimal systemic absorption, and animal studies have not shown clear teratogenic effects. However, first-trimester use is generally avoided unless the potential benefit outweighs theoretical risks. During breastfeeding, mebendazole levels in breast milk are very low, but it’s prudent to discuss with your GP or prescriber to assess any possible impact on the nursing infant. If treatment is essential, timing the dose immediately after a feed and discarding breast milk for 24 hours can further reduce exposure.

Yes. Vermox is licensed for children aged 2 years and older. The chewable tablet formulation allows precise dosing without tablet splitting. For children between 2 and 5 years, a single 100 mg dose is standard for threadworm, with retesting or repeat dosing as needed. In children under 2 years old, safety data are limited, so always consult a GP for specialist guidance, who may recommend alternative therapies or weight-adjusted dosing to ensure both efficacy and safety.

Threadworm eggs are microscopic and cling to clothing, bedding, and hard surfaces, leading to rapid household spread. Even asymptomatic carriers can maintain the cycle by passing eggs around. Treating every household member simultaneously with Vermox stops eggs from maturing into adult worms and prevents reinfection. Alongside treatment, thorough hygiene, hot washes of linens, vacuuming carpets, and daily morning showers ensure that stray eggs are removed from the environment, breaking the lifecycle effectively.

If you forget your second 100 mg dose for threadworms, take it as soon as you remember—provided it’s within two to three weeks of the first dose. This interval targets larvae hatched from eggs left behind initially. If more than three weeks have elapsed, consult your GP: they may advise re-treating immediately and then again two weeks later, or performing a stool test to confirm if the infestation persists. This tailored approach ensures all parasite stages are eliminated.

Yes, Vermox 100 mg chewable tablets are available OTC in UK pharmacies for threadworm (enterobiasis). When buying OTC, pharmacists will confirm symptoms and advise on one 100 mg dose now, plus a repeat dose in two weeks. For roundworm, whipworm, or hookworm infections, a prescription is required because treatment regimens extend beyond a single dose and may involve three-day courses. Always follow the pharmacist's or GP’s guidance to ensure appropriate use.

Both Vermox (mebendazole) and albendazole are benzimidazole anti-helminthics, but they vary in absorption and spectrum. Vermox remains largely within the gut, ideal for luminal worms like threadworm and whipworm, whereas albendazole is more systemically absorbed and can treat tissue-invasive parasites (e.g., hydatid disease). Vermox dosing for threadworm is a single 100 mg dose, while albendazole requires single or multi-day dosing at 400 mg. Albendazole’s broader systemic action comes with a slightly higher risk of systemic side effects, so your GP will choose based on the parasite type and patient profile.

For threadworm, no lab tests are required; OTC treatment is symptom-based. If you suspect other soil-transmitted helminths (roundworm, whipworm, hookworm), your GP may order a stool microscopy sample to identify the specific parasite species. Confirmatory testing helps tailor the dosing regimen, such as three-day courses for STH, and may include liver function tests if repeated dosing is anticipated, especially in patients with existing hepatic concerns.

Mebendazole’s poor systemic absorption (<10%) limits its drug–drug interactions. However, co-administration with cimetidine can slightly raise mebendazole levels by reducing its hepatic metabolism, potentially increasing GI side effects. Rarely, concurrent use with other benzimidazoles or antiparasitics may alter efficacy. Always inform your GP about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements to ensure there are no unexpected interactions and to maintain treatment safety.

While Vermox is well tolerated, stop treatment and seek urgent GP review if you experience severe or persistent symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping that doesn’t improve with food
• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours post-dose
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, or signs of liver strain

High fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising could indicate bone marrow suppression. These rare events, such as hepatotoxicity or neutropenia, require prompt assessment and possible laboratory tests.

Alcohol does not directly interact with mebendazole, but it can worsen gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or abdominal discomfort. To enhance tolerability, limit or avoid alcohol consumption during treatment. Staying well-hydrated with water or rehydration solutions is more beneficial to systemically flush parasites and reduce potential GI irritation.

Keep Vermox tablets in their original blister pack or container at 20–25 °C, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Ensure packaging is tightly sealed to maintain potency. Store out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion, and always check the expiry date before use. Discard any unused tablets safely once they are out of date.

Cleaning is vital but not sufficient without medication. Remove eggs mechanically by washing bedding, nightclothes, and towels in hot water (≥60 °C) weekly and tumble-dry on a hot setting. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattresses, then wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to capture stray eggs. Personal hygiene—daily morning showers, short fingernails, and discouraging nail-biting—complements Vermox treatment to break the reinfection cycle effectively.

No. Vermox (mebendazole) is effective against intestinal nematodes (threadworm, roundworm, whipworm, hookworm) but not tapeworms (cestodes). Tapeworm infections require praziquantel-based therapy. If you notice white segments in your stool or suspect tapeworm infestation, consult your GP for the correct diagnostic tests and treatment regimen.

For threadworm, a single 100 mg chewable dose is generally curative, with a repeat dose after two weeks if reinfection occurs. For roundworm, whipworm, or hookworm, the prescription regimen is 100 mg twice daily for three days, ensuring that both adult parasites and emerging larvae are targeted. Your GP will determine the precise regimen based on species identification, patient age, and any coexisting conditions.

Although mebendazole’s absorption is low, it undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP enzymes. In patients with significant liver impairment, your GP may consider dose adjustments, alternative agents, or more intensive monitoring. Periodic liver function tests (LFTs) may be advised if repeat or extended courses are necessary. Report any signs of liver trouble—such as persistent nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice- immediately to your healthcare provider to ensure safe continuation or adjustment of therapy.