Vermox Side Effects

Generic Name: mebendazole

Note: This document contains side effect information about mebendazole. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Vermox.

For the Consumer

Applies to mebendazole: oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

Along with its needed effects, mebendazole (the active ingredient contained in Vermox) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking mebendazole:

Rare

• 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

Incidence Not Known

• 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

Some side effects of mebendazole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Abdominal or stomach pain or upset

Incidence Not Known

• 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]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer