Generic Vermox

Vermox, which is generically prescribed as mebendazole, is commonly used to treat infections caused by worms, particularly worms such as whipworm, roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, or a combination of worms that includes at least one of these worms. Vermox is a member of the family of drugs known as antihelmintics.

Vermox is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes antihelmintic allergies, severe vomiting, or is under two years of age may not be able to take Vermox or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Vermox.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Vermox as a pregnancy risk category C, which means that it has yet to be determined whether or not this medication will cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has not yet been determined whether or not this medication will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or to a woman who is likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Vermox, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as very high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe abdominal pain, or severe diarrhea.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as moderate diarrhea, mild to low grade fevers, and abdominal pain. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Vermox.

Vermox should be taken exactly as directed by the prescribing physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected the patient should seek immediate emergency medical treatment. An overdose will present with symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Vermox. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that carry known drug interaction risk with Vermox include phenytoin, ethotoin, and Tegretol.

Worm infections are easily passed between two people, especially people who are sexually intimate. Family members and sexual partners of an infected patient should seek treatment even if they are not experiencing symptoms. During treatment personal items such as combs, hats, clothing, bed linens, and hairbrushes should not be shared with other family members or intimate partners. It is vital that physical contact between an infected patient and others be as limited as humanly possible. While it may take several days of treatment before the worms are removed from the system, if the infection is not cleared within three weeks, a second treatment is typically required.