What is Ovex Suspension?

Ovex Suspension is a liquid treatment for threadworm (pinworm) and other less common worm infections such as whipworm, roundworm, and hookworm. It contains mebendazole 100 mg per 5 ml of oral suspension. The banana-flavoured liquid makes it easier to give to children or those who struggle to swallow tablets.

How Does Ovex Suspension Work?

The active ingredient, mebendazole, stops worms from absorbing the sugars they need to survive. Without energy, the worms die and are passed out of the body in stools. One dose is usually enough to clear threadworm, though a second dose may be needed two weeks later to prevent reinfection.

Symptoms of Threadworm Infection

Threadworm infections are common, especially in children. Symptoms include:

Itching around the bottom, often worse at night
Disturbed sleep or irritability
Small white thread-like worms visible in stools or around the anus
Occasionally, mild stomach pain or loss of appetite
Alternative Treatment Options

Other ways to manage threadworm include:

Treating all members of the household at the same time
Washing bedding, towels, and underwear regularly
Keeping fingernails short and encouraging regular hand washing
Other medicines for worm infections if mebendazole is not suitable (on prescription only)

Can Ovex Suspension Be Purchased Over the Counter?

Yes. In the UK, Ovex Suspension is available from pharmacies without a prescription. A pharmacist may ask about your symptoms and advise that the whole household is treated at the same time to avoid reinfection.

Preventing reinfection

Threadworms spread easily, so it is important to treat the whole household at the same time, even if others have no symptoms. Good hygiene measures should also be followed:

Wash hands regularly, especially after using the toilet and before meals
Bathe daily and change underwear in the morning
Wash bed linen, towels, and sleepwear frequently
Keep fingernails short and discourage nail-biting or thumb-sucking in children
 

Directions for Use

• Adults and children over 2 years: Take 5 ml (one 5 ml spoonful) as a single dose.
• The suspension should be shaken well before use.
• Use the supplied measuring spoon or oral syringe for accuracy.
• In cases of reinfection, a second 5 ml dose can be taken after 2 weeks.
• All household members should be treated at the same time, even if they don’t show symptoms.
• Not recommended for children under 2 years unless advised by a doctor.
• Good hygiene practices (washing bedding, cleaning bathrooms, handwashing) should be followed alongside treatment to reduce reinfection risk.

Active Ingredient

Mebendazole 100 mg per 5 ml suspension

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

Sodium benzoate (E211)
Sodium saccharin
Banana flavouring
Purified water
Other stabilisers and sweeteners (may vary slightly by manufacturer)

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Common side effects

Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Flatulence

Uncommon side effects

Rash or hives
Dizziness

Rare but serious side effects

Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and difficulty breathing
Very rare reports of seizures in young children (hence not recommended under 2 years)

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Seek medical help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction or severe symptoms.