Mebental 100 Tablet

Q1: What is Mebental 100 Tablet used for?

Mebental 100 contains Mebendazole 100mg and is used to treat intestinal worm infections including pinworm (enterobiasis), roundworm (ascariasis), hookworm (ancylostomiasis), and whipworm (trichuriasis). It is one of the most widely used anthelmintics globally.

Q2: How does Mebendazole in Mebental 100 work?

Mebendazole selectively binds to β-tubulin in helminths, inhibiting the assembly of microtubules that are essential to the parasite's cell structure and function. This blocks glucose uptake, depletes glycogen stores, and leads to immobilisation and death of the parasite.

Q3: What parasitic infections does Mebental 100 treat?

Mebental 100 effectively treats pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus), and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). It is active against both adult worms and larval stages in the intestine.

Q4: What is the correct dose of Mebental 100 Tablet?

For pinworm: a single 100mg tablet, repeated after 2 weeks. For roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm: one 100mg tablet twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions, as dosing may vary by infection type and severity.

Q5: Should Mebental 100 be taken with food?

Mebental 100 can be taken with or without food. The tablet can be swallowed whole, chewed, or crushed and mixed with food, making it particularly convenient for children. A fatty meal slightly increases absorption but is generally not required for intestinal worm treatment.

Q6: How long does it take for Mebental 100 to work?

Worms are typically expelled within 1–3 days of completing the treatment course. For pinworm, a second dose after 2 weeks is recommended because the drug does not kill eggs — the repeat dose eliminates any worms that hatched after the first dose.

Q7: Why do I need to treat the whole family for pinworm?

Pinworm (Enterobius) spreads easily through contaminated hands, bedding, and surfaces. All household members should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection of treated individuals. Strict hygiene — washing hands, cutting nails short, washing bedding — is essential alongside treatment.

Q8: What are the common side effects of Mebental 100?

Side effects are usually mild and transient. They include abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea, particularly when worm burdens are heavy. Systemic absorption of mebendazole is very low, so systemic side effects are uncommon with the 3-day intestinal course.

Q9: Is Mebental 100 safe for children?

Mebendazole is considered safe for children aged 2 years and older. It is used widely in school deworming programmes. The 100mg tablet can be chewed or crushed for younger children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Children under 2 years should only receive treatment under specialist supervision.

Q10: Can pregnant women take Mebental 100?

Mebendazole is not recommended during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, as it has shown embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in animal studies. If treatment is needed during the second or third trimester, the benefit-risk balance should be carefully assessed with your doctor.

Q11: How should I store Mebental 100 Tablet?

Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Keep tablets in the original blister packaging, protected from light and moisture. Store out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.

Q12: Do I need a prescription for Mebental 100?

In many countries, mebendazole 100mg is available over the counter for single-dose pinworm treatment. However, for infections requiring multi-day courses or for use in children under 2 years, a prescription and medical guidance are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and appropriate dosing.