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Dictionary · Drug

mebendazole

A chewable drug that kills intestinal worms such as pinworms, roundworms and hookworms.

meh-BEN-duh-zole noun

What it means

An anthelmintic that stops worms from taking in glucose, so they die. For pinworm, a single chewable dose is given and repeated in 2 weeks. Side effects are usually mild, such as stomach pain and diarrhea.

For the nurse

Pinworms spread easily in a household, so all members are often treated. Teach handwashing, short clean nails, daily showers, and washing underwear and bedding in hot water.

At a glance

Drug classanthelmintic
Brand namesEmverm, Vermox Chewable
Also writtenEmverm, Vermox

Related terms

infectious disease

An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.

albendazole

An oral drug that kills tapeworms and other parasitic worms.

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