Mebendazole
Mebendazole is an anthelmintic medication used to treat various parasitic worm infections, including pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infections. It works by inhibiting the parasites' ability to absorb glucose, leading to their death. This medication is typically used in both children and adults diagnosed with intestinal helminth infections.
Mebendazole is an anti-parasitic medication that treats intestinal worm infections by starving the parasites of glucose.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P02CA01
- RxNorm
- 6672
- Generic
- Mebendazole
- Class
- atc-p02
- Brands
- Emverm, Vermox
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Mebendazole is used to treat infections caused by intestinal parasites including enterobiasis (pinworm), ascariasis (roundworm), hookworm, and trichuriasis (whipworm). It is effective against both adult worms and larvae in the intestinal tract.
Mebendazole works by binding to tubulin in parasitic cells, inhibiting microtubule formation. This disrupts the parasite's glucose uptake and depletes its glycogen stores, ultimately causing the helminth to die. The medication has minimal absorption in the gut, allowing it to act directly on parasites in the intestinal lumen.
Mebendazole is generally well-tolerated but may cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea. It should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. Tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed, and can be taken with or without food. Family members may also need treatment to prevent reinfection, particularly for pinworm infections.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy