Uses of Ribamox: - Worm infections Enterobiasis, Hookworm infections, Filariasis, Toxocariasis, Ascarisis, Trichuriasis, Trichostrongyliasis, Trichinellosis, Dracunculiasis Hypersensitivity. Infants and children <2 yr.

Anthelmintic

Mebendazole is a synthetic derivative of benzimidazole with a potent anthelmintic activity against the most common nematodes and some cestodes. It is highly effective against ascariasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections. It is equally effective in single or in mixed infections. The effect of the drug is due to its ability to inhibit glucose uptake irreversibly but it does not affect blood glucose concentration in the host, even in high doses. Mebendazole does not necessitate any dosage calculation since the same dosage is used for children and adults. It can be taken at any time and no special procedures such as purging, use of laxatives and/or dietary changes are required. Parasite immobilization and death occur slowly and clearance from the gastro-intestinal tract may not be completed up to 3 days after administration.

How to use Mebendazole: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Mebendazole may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. May be swallowed whole, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food Adult Dose: Oral Adults: Enterobiasis : A single tablet( 100 mg) or 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of the suspension. If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised Ascariasis, Ancylostomiasis, Trichuriasis : 100 mg bid for 3 consecutive days or 500 mg as single dose or 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) bid for 3 consecutive days. If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised Taeniasis & strongyloidiasis : 100 mg bid for 3 consecutive days If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised Child Dose: Oral Enterobiasis Child: >2 A single tablet( 100 mg) or 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) of the suspension. If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised Ascariasis, Ancylostomiasis, Trichuriasis : Child: >1 yr 100 mg bid for 3 consecutive days or 500 mg as single dose or 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) bid for 3 consecutive days. If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised Taeniasis & strongyloidiasis : 100 mg bid for 3 consecutive days If cure is not achieved 3 wk after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised

Decreased plasma concentrations w/ carbamazepine and phenytoin. Increased plasma concentrations w/ cimetidine.

Hypersensitivity. Infants and children <2 yr.

Common - Abdominal pain Transient diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, tinnitus, numbness, fever, alopecia, rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, flushing, hiccups, cough, weakness, drowsiness, chills, hypotension, seizures, transient abnormalities in LFT (e.g. increased serum concentrations of aminotransferases, glutamyltransferase alkaline phosphatase, and/or bilirubin), hepatitis, increased BUN, decreased Hb concentration and/or hematocrit, leucopenia, eosinophilia, haematuria, cylindruria, migration of roundworms through the mouth and nose. Potentially Fatal: Myelosuppression, manifested as neutropenia (including agranulocytosis) and/or thrombocytopenia.

Mebendazole should not be administered during pregnancy and in women thought to be pregnant. It is not known whether mebendazole or its metabolites are secreted in human breast milk. Thus Mebendazole should not be used during lactation unless the potential benefits are considered to outweigh the potential risk associated with treatment.

Precaution: Hepatic impairment. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Periodic assessment of haematologic, hepatic, and renal function; check for helminth ova in faeces w/in 3-4 wk following the initial therapy. Lactation: Excretion in breast milk unknown; use caution

In the event of accidental overdosage, gastrointestinal complaints lasting up to a few hours may occur. Vomiting and purging should be induced.

Store in a cool (Below 25°C temperature) and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Anthelmintic

Mebendazole inhibits formation of helminth microtubules. It selectively and irreversibly blocks the uptake of glucose and other nutrients in susceptible helminths, resulting in endogenous depletion of glycogen stores in the helminth.

Mebendazole is not recommended in pregnant women. It is not known whether mebendazole is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing mother.