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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,

Medication: Mebendazole

Medication: Mebendazole

Your dog has been prescribed mebendazole for the treatment internal worms and other parasites.

Key points:
• Broad spectrum anthelmintic (wormer).
• Dosage varies between products and parasites being treated.
• Mebendazole has been largely replaced by more modern wormers and is now used infrequently in dogs. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Mebendazole (Meh-ben-dah-zohl).

Brand name

  • There are currently no licensed veterinary formulations of this medication for use in dogs or humans in the UK or US.

Class of medication

  • Broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic.

Storage

  • Store at room temperature.

Why has my dog been prescribed mebendazole?

Your veterinarian has prescribed mebendazole for the treatment of infections caused by one or more of the following parasites:

  • Toxocara canis.
  • Toxascaris leonine.
  • Toxocara cati.
  • Trichuris vulpis .
  • Uncinaria stenocephala.
  • Ancylostoma caninum.
  • Taenia pisiformis.
  • Taenia hydatigena. 
  • Echinococcus granulosus.
  • Taeniaformis hydatigenia.

How is the medication given?

Mebendazole is given orally (as tablets). Tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur. If this happens, stop the treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mebendazole should not be used in pregnant females.

Vomiting and soft feces are possible side-effects of mebendazole treatment but at the standard dose, side-effects should be mild and should not necessitate stopping treatment. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Acute liver failure has been associated with use of high doses of mebendazole in dogs. Hepatic dysfunction is usually associated with fever and general malaise within days of exposure.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Mebendazole tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Mebendazole is rarely used on a long-term basis due to the availability of albendazole.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused mebendazole safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save mebendazole for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Mebendazole should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on mebendazole?

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking mebendazole.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on mebendazole can be found on the package insert.

Europe & UK

  • There are no licensed products for cats or dogs or humans.

USA

  • There are no licensed products for cats or dogs or humans.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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