Thiabendazole, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anthelmintic (antiworm)

Generic and brand names: thiabendazole, oral; Mintezol

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat several types of worm infections.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• anemia
• liver or kidney disease
• problems with dehydration

Talk with your provider if you are not eating a balanced diet or have problems digesting food.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take it with food or after meals to avoid stomach upset. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed for as long as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval even if you start to feel better.

The tablets may be chewed, or crushed and mixed with soft food such as applesauce.

No special diets, fasting, laxatives, or enemas are necessary before or after taking this medicine.

Intestinal worms may die slowly. It may take several days before they are out of the digestive tract. Laxatives are not needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: changes in vision, changes in behavior.

What should I watch out for?

Because worms may be passed from person to person, your healthcare provider may want to treat all family members at the same time.

Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading or getting worms again. Change undergarments, bed linens, nightclothes, and towels daily, and wash them in very hot water. Disinfect toilets daily. Do not shake clothing because the eggs are very light and can be spread in the air. Keep everything very clean to get rid of worms.

This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. Drinking alcohol may make dizziness or drowsiness worse. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever or blisters on skin, unexplained mouth sores, muscle or joint pain, seizures, unusual weakness or tiredness, hallucinations, severe confusion, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, increased urination, unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dry eyes, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unpleasant urine odor.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antidepressants such as fluvoxamine (Luvox) or mirtazapine (Remeron)
• bronchodilators such as aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline), dyphylline (Dilor, Lufyllin, Dilor-400), oxtriphylline (Choledyl SA), and theophylline.
• ropinirole (Requip)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

____________________________________________________

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

Developed by RelayHealth
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.