Vermox Side Effects

Generic Name: mebendazole

Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug mebendazole. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Vermox.

For the Consumer

Applies to mebendazole: oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

As well as its needed effects, mebendazole (the active ingredient contained in Vermox) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking mebendazole, check with your doctor immediately:

• Black, tarry stools
• chills
• convulsions
• cough or hoarseness
• dark urine
• fever with or without chills
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• nausea and vomiting
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• redness of the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• diarrhea
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• joint or muscle pain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• tightness in the chest

Minor Side Effects

Some mebendazole side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

• Abdominal or stomach pain or upset

• Bloated
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• loss of appetite
• passing gas
• weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to mebendazole: compounding powder, oral tablet chewable

General

Since mebendazole (the active ingredient contained in Vermox) is not well absorbed, few systemic side effects are reported. Side effects may be more likely and more severe in patients with underlying liver disease.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, especially when the intestinal parasite burden is great.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Increased liver function tests have been associated with mebendazole (the active ingredient contained in Vermox) in patients with hepatic hydatid cysts.^[Ref]

Hepatic side effects have included transient changes in liver function tests and granulomatous hepatitis. These side effects have been reported when mebendazole was taken for prolonged periods and at dosages substantially above those recommended.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Bone marrow biopsy results during mebendazole-associated leukopenia or pancytopenia have revealed hypocellularity. These effects reverse upon drug discontinuation.^[Ref]

Hematologic side effects are unusual and reversible, but may be severe. Profound leukopenia, often accompanied by anemia and thrombocytopenia, has been reported. Pancytopenia and neutropenia have also been reported.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included rare reports of alopecia and angioedema. Rash, pruritus, urticaria, and flushing have also been reported.^[Ref]

Other

No evidence of hypersensitivity (eosinophilia, rash, leukocytosis) accompanied the rare reports of drug fever. The fever may have been idiosyncratic or evidence of a reaction to drug-induced tissue necrosis in hydatid cysts.^[Ref]

Other side effects have included chills and drug fever.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have been reported rarely. These have included weakness, drowsiness, and seizures.^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of Vermox may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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