Type of medicine Anthelmintics
Used for Treatment of threadworms
Treatment of tropical worm infections including roundworm, whipworm and hookworm
Also called Vermox
Ovex
Pripsen
Boots Threadworm Tablets
Available as Tablets
Chewable tablets
Oral liquid

Vermox works by preventing the worm from absorbing essential sugars needed for survival. This leads to the eventual death of the parasite within a few days.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Vermox tablets and suspension contain the active ingredient mebendazole, which is a type of drug called an anthelmintic. It is used to treat certain types of worm infections of the gut. Mebendazole works by preventing worms from being able to absorb sugars that are essential for their survival. This depletes the energy stores of the worms, leading to their eventual death within a few days. The dead worms are then excreted from the gut in the stools. Mebendazole is used mainly in the treatment of threadworm, however is also used to treat infections of roundworm, whipworm and hookworm. A single dose is effective for treating threadworm infections, but a second dose may be needed after two weeks if the infection comes back. It is recommended that the whole family are treated. For treating roundworm, hookworm or whipworm infections, one dose is needed twice a day for three days.

Treatments infections

* Hookworm * Roundworm * Whipworm * Threadworm

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Diarrhoea * Abdominal pain * Rash * Allergic reactions such as severe swelling of lips, face or tongue