Dr. Arjun Srivastav What are Ivermectin and Mebendazole Tablets Parasite Treatment
The combination of Ivermectin and Mebendazole is a way to treat parasites. These medicines are often used one at a time. Using them together works better against some tough intestinal worms. Ivermectin and Mebendazole treat a range of parasites that neither one alone can.
Manufacturer
Major global manufacturer of Ivermectin:
Major manufacturers of Mebendazole:
Kachhela Medex Private Limited
Composition
Ingredients: Ivermectin and Mebendazole are two separate generic ingredients approved by the FDA for different worm infections in humans.
Appearance: The pills, generally made by different manufacturers, come in oval or rounded shapes, typically white or off-white.
Onset of Action
Biological Onset: Ivermectin is activated and reaches its peak levels in your blood within 3 to 4 hours of intake. Mebendazole works based on glucose starvation in the worms, and thus, it takes longer for the biological onset.
Physical Clearance (1–3 Days): Worms and larvae of these worms usually are killed and cleared from your body within 2 to 4 days of regular use.
Ivermectin and Mebendazole uses
A combination of Ivermectin and Mebendazole is for a broad spectrum of parasitic and worm infections, like-
- Whipworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Threadworms
Mechanism of Action
Paralysis + Starvation: Ivermectin works by paralyzing the muscle tissues of the worms. Mebendazole works to starve the worms of glucose absorption and depletes energy reserves.
Overcoming Resistance: Ivermectin works inside the P-glycoprotein pumps of the worms to ensure that Mebendazole is more effective and the worms never become resistant to it.
What are the Benefits of Ivermectin and Mebendazole Tablets Parasite Treatment?
Parasitic Treatment: Superior Clearance: Use of both Ivermectin and Mebendazole clears the infection within a few days. As per studies from the TGA and FDA, it is effective in more than 99% cases in adults.
Wider Range of “Kill”: Mebendazole is the ultimate drug for whipworms and hookworms. Ivermectin is the gold standard for worms affecting the stomach and intestines, and skin infections like scabies.
Efficiency: The treatment process is simple, and a single pill in most of the cases is effective to treat the infection completely.
Dosage Guidelines for Ivermectin and Mebendazole Tablets Parasite Treatment
Typical Dosage (Adults & Children >2 Years)
Ivermectin: A single pill use, with doctors recommending up to 200 mcg of the drug per kg of body weight.
Mebendazole:
For Roundworms/Hookworms/Whipworms: In these cases, the doctors recommend the 100 mg dose taken two times per day, each with a 12-hour window.
For Pinworms: A single dose of 100 mg taken only one time per week, continued for 3 to 4 weeks.
Alternatives & Similar tablets
- Ivermectin And Fenbendazole Tablets
- Ivermectin and Praziquantel Tablets
- Ivermectin and Albendazole Tablets
What occurs if I miss taking a dose?
In case of Ivermectin, you can still take your medicine once within 24 hours since the last medicine was used. If you miss a Mebendazole dose within 4 hours, you can still take it, but not later on.
What if I overdose on this medicine?
An overdose of Ivermectin can bring out some mild side effects right away, like vomiting, nausea, headache, and longer-term issues affecting your thinking and cognitive abilities.
Mebendazole Overdose Signs: Mostly gastric issues like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. However, in severe cases, it can affect the liver functions and alter liver enzymes.
Children: For the Ivermectin dose, your child has to be more than 15 kg in overall weight. Mebendazole is not recommended for children lower than 2 years of age.
Note
This combination can also be recommended for children. Non-prescription use, however, should be avoided due to incomplete information regarding dosages. It is best to consult a pediatrician first.
Drug Interactions of Ivermectin and Mebendazole Tablets Parasite Treatment
Warfarin: or other blood thinners, can increase the risks of bleeding or high BP.
Metronidazole: or Flagyl, can interact with Mebendazole, creating severe skin rashes, inflammation, or swelling.
Seizure Medications: like Phenytoin or Carbamazepine, whose actions can be reduced by Mebendazole’s actions, increasing the risk of seizures.
CYP3A4 inhibitors: This liver enzyme breaks down CYP3A4 inhibitors, which can cause Ivermectin to cause toxicity as the generic drug.
Rifampin: for TB, which can reduce the action of Ivermectin and Mebendazole.
Cimetidine: for Hepburn and GERD, may reduce the breakdown of Ivermectin, causing it to cause toxicity in your body.
Difference between Ivermectin & Mebendazole
| Feature | Ivermectin | Mebendazole |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Type | Antiparasitic | Anthelmintic (deworming medicine) |
| Main Use | External + internal parasites | Intestinal worms |
| Works Against | Scabies, lice, worms | Roundworms, pinworms, hookworms |
| Action | Paralyses parasites | Starves worms |
| Prescription | Usually required | OTC/prescription (varies) |
| Administration | Empty stomach | With or without food |
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Headache, dizziness: Do not take it right after you wake up in the morning or on an empty stomach.
Fatigue: Better to take it before a nap or just before sleep.
Vomiting, nausea: Avoid taking a light meal before and ensure enough water intake.
Mouth dryness: Keep taking small sips of water after taking the pill.
Serious or Rare Side Effects
Confusion, delusion hallucinations: A sign that Ivermectin is present in the nervous system that needs immediate doctor treatment.
Yellowing of skin, dark yellow urine color: A sign of elevated hepatic enzymes, usually bilirubin. Consult with a doctor immediately.
Precautions and Warnings before starting a dose of Ivermectin and Mebendazole
Liver checkup and medical history: Tell the doctors if you are currently suffering or have had any major liver infections, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, or liver cancer. The doctors may also recommend LFT and bilirubin tests to check hepatic cell function and activity.
Seizure history: Inform the doctors if you have ever had seizures or epileptic disorders with fainting or sudden, uncontrolled tremors in the body and limbs.
Pregnancy: Both Ivermectin and Mebendazole are not safe for use during the first trimester of pregnancy. Depending on your health, the doctors may not recommend it even later, after the first three months of being pregnant.
Breastfeeding: Both medicines can pass down into the breastmilk of the mother and pass on to the infant from the breastmilk, which is why doctors severely avoid recommending it until your baby is at least a few months old.
Best Advice
- Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Be sure to follow the correct dosage and timing.
- When used properly, a combination can be powerful, but don’t use it unnecessarily.
Safety advice
Driving or operating machinery: Avoid driving or doing any work with heavy or sharp objects, as with mild side effects like nausea, headache, or drowsiness, you can risk an injury or a major accident.
Grape juice: Avoid taking grape juice, especially as it blocks some of the enzymes that are needed to break down Ivermectin.
Alcohol: Alcohol can interact with already occurring side effects like headache and fatigue, making them worse. In the end, it can affect liver enzymes, causing drug toxicity.
Storage Instructions
Store the sachet of Ivermectin or Mebendazole pills always at room temperature, not inside the fridge. However, avoid very hot conditions more than 30 degrees Celsius or highly humid conditions.
Where to buy Ivermectin or Mebendazole tablets in Australia?
To buy Ivermectin or Mebendazole brands in Australia, you can check out Australia’s No.1 online pharmacy portal, Australiarxmeds. They have different brands of both these anti-parasitic medicines in different doses and strengths suitable for both adults and children.
FAQs
Can I take both pills at the exact same time?
Yes, you can take both the medicines at the same time right after each other without raising any kind of interaction between them, as their modes of operation and action are completely different.
Do I need to treat my entire family?
In case you are suffering from whipworms or hookworms, you can take the medicine yourself only. However, pinworms and their infections are highly contagious so you need to quarantine yourself or else your entire family may be affected and then everyone will need to use these medicines.
How soon will I see worms in my stool?
You see the action of these two medicines completely disintegrate the worms in your intestines. Thus, you may not actually see parts or the entire worm come out with your stool.
