6-28. MEBENDAZOLE
a. Indications. Mebendazole (Vermox) is the drug of choice for the treatment of
whipworm, pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm in single or fixed infections.
b. Usual Dosage. The same dosage schedule applies to both adults and
children. The tablets may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food. No
special procedures, such as fasting or purging are required. If the client is not cured 3
weeks after treatment, a second treatment course is advised.
(1) Hookworm infection: One tablet morning and evening on three
consecutive days.
(2)
Pinworm infection: A single tablet given once.
c. Cautions and Warnings.
(1) Mebendazole is not recommended for use in pregnant women. During
pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, use only if the potential benefit justifies
the potential risk to the fetus.
(2) Safety and efficacy for use in children under 2 years of age have not
been established.
d. Adverse Reactions.
(1) Transient abdominal pain and diarrhea have been observed in massive
infection and expulsion of worms.
(2)
Fever, a possible response to drug-induced necrosis, has been reported.
e. Supply. Mebendazole (Vermox) is supplied as 100-mg tablets.
6-29. DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE
a. Indications. Diethylcarbamazine citrate (Hetrazan) is orally effective in the
treatment of filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, W. (Grugia) malayi or Loa loa.
Diethylcarbamazine also has limited usefulness in Onchocerca vulvulus infection ("river
blindness").
b. Usual Dosage.
(1) W. bancrofti, W. malayi, and Loa loa--2-mg/kg of body weight three
times a day after meals for 3 to 4 weeks. The microfilariae in the blood are rapidly
killed, but repeated courses of therapy may be required to destroy adult worms. Three
to 4 weeks should be allowed between each course of therapy.
MD0913
6-28