In this Article

• What is thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What are the possible side effects of thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• How should I take thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mintezol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mintezol)?
• What should I avoid while taking thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What other drugs will affect thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thiabendazole (Mintezol)?

Before taking thiabendazole, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take thiabendazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any other medical conditions.

Thiabendazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take thiabendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether thiabendazole passes into breast milk. Do not take thiabendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Children who weigh less than 30 pounds should not use thiabendazole unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

How should I take thiabendazole (Mintezol)?

Take thiabendazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. Measure each dose with a dose-measuring dropper, spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon, to ensure that you measure the correct amount of medicine. Ask your pharmacist where you can get a dose-measuring device if you do not have one.

Take each dose with food to lessen stomach upset.

Doses are usually taken twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

It may take 2 days or more for the treatment to remove the worm from the stomach and intestines. Repeat treatment is usually necessary in 7 days to prevent reinfection.

Fasting, laxatives, or purging will not help to cure the infection.

Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected person.

To prevent reinfection, toilets must be disinfected daily, and clothing, linens, towels, and pajamas must be changed and washed daily.

Store thiabendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.