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VERMOX™
(mebendazole) Chewable Tablets for Oral Use
VERMOX™ (mebendazole) is an orally administered, synthetic anthelmintic available as chewable tablets, each containing 100 mg of mebendazole. Inactive ingredients are: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, hydrogenated vegetable oil, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, sodium starch glycolate, talc, tetrarome orange, and FD&C yellow No.6.
Chemically, mebendazole is methyl 5-benzoylbenzimidazole-2-carbamate with a molecular formula of C16H13N3O3 and the following structural formula:
 |
Mebendazole is a white to slightly yellow powder with a molecular weight of 295.29. It is less than 0.05% soluble in water, dilute mineral acid solutions, alcohol, ether and chloroform, but is soluble in formic acid.
VERMOX™ is indicated for the treatment of patients two years of age and older with gastrointestinal infections caused by Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Necator americanus (hookworm), and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm).
The recommended dosage for VERMOX™ is described in Table 1 below. The same dosage schedule applies to adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older. The tablet may be chewed, swallowed, or crushed and mixed with food.
Table 1: Dosage of VERMOX in Adult and Pediatric Patients (two years of age and older)
| Pinworm (enterobiasis) |
Whipworm (trichuriasis) |
Roundworm (ascariasis) |
Hookworm | |
| Dose | 1 tablet Once | 1 tablet morning and evening for 3 consecutive days | 1 tablet morning and evening for 3 consecutive days | 1 tablet morning and evening for 3 consecutive days |
If the patient is not cured three weeks after treatment, a second course of treatment is advised. No special procedures, such as fasting or purging, are required.
Chewable Tablet: 100 mg, round, flat radius-edged white to yellowish chewable tablet that is debossed with “M/100” on one side and “J” on the other side.
VERMOX™ (mebendazole) is available as 100 mg, round, flat radius-edged white to yellowish chewable tablets that are debossed with “M/100” on one side and “J” on the other side. They are supplied as follows:
Blister package of 12 tablets NDC 50580-070-12
Store at controlled room temperature 59°–77°F (15°–25°C).
Manufactured by: Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium. Revised: June 2017
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of mebendazole was evaluated in 6276 subjects who participated in 39 clinical trials for treatment of single or mixed parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. In these trials, the formulations, dosages and duration of mebendazole treatment varied. Adverse reactions reported in mebendazole-treated subjects from the 39 clinical trials are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in Mebendazole-treated Subjects from 39 Clinical Trials*
| Adverse Reaction(s) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders |
| Anorexia |
| Abdominal Pain |
| Diarrhea |
| Flatulence |
| Nausea |
| Vomiting |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders |
| Rash |
| * Includes mebendazole formulations, dosages and treatment duration other than VERMOX™ 100 mg tablet |
The following adverse reactions have been identified in adult and pediatric patients postmarketing with mebendazole formulations and dosages other than the VERMOX™ 100 mg chewable tablet. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions Identified During Postmarketing Experience with Mebendazole*
| Adverse Reaction(s) | |
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | Agranulocytosis, Neutropenia |
| Immune System Disorders | Hypersensitivity including anaphylactic reactions |
| Nervous System Disorders | Convulsions, Dizziness |
| Hepatobiliary Disorders | Hepatitis, Abnormal liver tests |
| Renal and Urinary Disorders | Glomerulonephritis |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Exanthema, Angioedema, Urticaria, Alopecia |
| * Includes mebendazole formulations, dosages and treatment duration other than VERMOX™ 100 mg chewable tablets | |
Concomitant use of mebendazole, including VERMOX., and metronidazole should be avoided [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Convulsions have been reported in infants below the age of 1 year during post-marketing experience with mebendazole [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Agranulocytosis and neutropenia have been reported with mebendazole use at higher doses and for more prolonged durations than is recommended for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Monitor blood counts if VERMOX™ CHEWABLE is used at higher doses or for prolonged duration.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) have been reported with the concomitant use of mebendazole and metronidazole. Avoid concomitant use of mebendazole and metronidazole.
In carcinogenicity tests of mebendazole in mice and rats, no carcinogenic effects were seen at doses as high as 40 mg/kg (0.4 to 0.8-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²) given daily over two years. No mutagenic activity was observed with mebendazole in a bacterial reverse gene mutation test. Mebendazole was mutagenic in the absence of S-9 when tested using a continuous (24 hour) treatment incubation period in the mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase assay. Mebendazole was aneugenic in vitro in mammalian somatic cells. In the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay, orally administered mebendazole induced an increased frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes with evidence suggestive of aneugenicity. Doses up to 40 mg/kg in rats (0.8-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²), given to males for 60 days and to females for 14 days prior to gestation, had no effect upon fetuses and offspring.
The available published literature on mebendazole use in pregnant women has not reported a clear association between mebendazole and a potential risk of major birth defects or miscarriages [see Data]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated helminthic infection during pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
In animal reproduction studies, adverse developmental effects (i.e., skeletal malformations, soft tissue malformations, decreased pup weight, embryolethality) were observed when mebendazole was administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at single oral doses as low as 10 mg/kg (approximately 0.2-fold the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD)). Maternal toxicity was present at the highest of these doses [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risks
Untreated soil-transmitted helminth infections in pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes including maternal iron deficiency anemia, low birth weight, neonatal and maternal death.
Human Data
Several published studies, including prospective pregnancy registries, case-control, retrospective cohort, and randomized controlled studies, have reported no association between mebendazole use and a potential risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Overall, these studies did not identify a specific pattern or frequency of major birth defects with mebendazole use. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any mebendazole-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including recall bias, confounding factors and, in some cases, small sample size or exclusion of first trimester mebendazole exposures.
Animal Data
Embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies in rats revealed no adverse effects on dams or their progeny at doses up to 2.5 mg/kg/day on gestation days 6-15 (the period of organogenesis). Dosing at ≥ 10 mg/kg/day resulted in a lowered body weight gain and a decreased pregnancy rate. Maternal toxicity, including body weight loss in one animal and maternal death in 11 of 20 animals, was seen at 40 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, increased embryo-fetal resorption (100% were resorbed at 40 mg/kg/day), decreased pup weight and increased incidence of malformations (primarily skeletal) were observed. Mebendazole was also embryotoxic and teratogenic in pregnant rats at single oral doses during organogenesis as low as 10 mg/kg (approximately 0.2-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²).
In embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies in mice dosed on gestation days 6-15, doses of 10 mg/kg/day and higher resulted in decreased body weight gain at 10 and 40 mg/kg/day and a higher mortality rate at 40 mg/kg/day. At doses of 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²) and higher, embryo-fetal resorption increased (100% at 40 mg/kg) and fetal malformations, including skeletal, cranial, and soft tissue anomalies, were present. Dosing of hamsters and rabbits did not result in embryotoxicity or teratogenicity at doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (0.6 to 1.6-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²).
In a peri-and post-natal toxicity study in rats, mebendazole did not adversely affect dams or their progeny at 20 mg/kg/day. At 40 mg/kg (0.8-fold the MRHD, based on mg/m²), a reduction of the number of live pups was observed and there was no survival at weaning. No abnormalities were found on gross and radiographic examination of pups at birth.
Limited data from case reports demonstrate that a small amount of mebendazole is present in human milk following oral administration. There are no reports of effects on the breastfed infant, and the limited reports on the effects on milk production are inconsistent. The limited clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE to a breastfed infant; therefore, developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for VERMOX™ CHEWABLE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VERMOX™ CHEWABLE or from the underlying maternal condition.
The safety and effectiveness of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE 500 mg tablets have been established in pediatric patients 1 to 16 years of age. Use of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE 500 mg tablets in children is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE 500 mg tablets [see Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of mebendazole, including VERMOX™ CHEWABLE have not been established in pediatric patients less than one year of age. Convulsions have been reported with mebendazole use in this age group [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Clinical studies of mebendazole did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
The safety and effectiveness of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE 500 mg tablets have been established in adults for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections by T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides. Use of VERMOX™ CHEWABLE 500 mg tablets in adults for these indications is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled trial in pediatric patients ages 1 to 16 years [see Clinical Studies], safety data in adults [see ADVERSE REACTIONS], pharmacokinetic data in adults [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], and the evidence from published literature.
In patients treated at dosages substantially higher than recommended or for prolonged periods of time, the following adverse reactions have been reported: alopecia, reversible transaminase elevations, hepatitis, agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and glomerulonephritis.
In the event of accidental overdose, gastrointestinal signs/symptoms may occur.
There is no specific antidote.
VERMOX™ is contraindicated in persons with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or its excipients.
Mebendazole, a benzimidazole, is an anthelmintic drug [see Microbiology].
Following oral administration of mebendazole, the majority of the dose remains in the gastrointestinal tract where it exerts an anthelmintic effect locally. Following administration of 100 mg twice daily for three consecutive days, plasma concentrations of VERMOX™(mebendazole) and its primary metabolite, the 2-amine hydrolyzed metabolite, do not exceed 0.03 mcg/mL and 0.09 mcg/mL, respectively. Dosing with a high fat meal increases the bioavailability of mebendazole, although the overall effect of food on the amount of drug remaining in the gastrointestinal tract is not expected to be substantial.
The plasma protein binding of mebendazole is 90 to 95%. The volume of distribution is 1 to 2 L/kg, indicating that absorbed mebendazole penetrates areas outside the vascular space.
Orally administered mebendazole is extensively metabolized primarily by the liver. Plasma concentrations of its major metabolites (hydrolyzed and reduced forms of mebendazole) are higher than those of mebendazole. All metabolites are devoid of anthelmintic activity. Impaired hepatic function, impaired metabolism, or impaired biliary elimination may lead to higher plasma concentrations of mebendazole.
Mebendazole, the conjugated forms of mebendazole, and its metabolites likely undergo some degree of enterohepatic recirculation. The apparent elimination half-life after an oral dose ranges from 3 to 6 hours in most patients. Less than 2% of orally administered mebendazole is excreted in urine and the remainder in the feces as unchanged drug or its metabolites.
Mebendazole interferes with cellular tubulin formation in the helminth and causes ultrastructural degenerative changes in its intestine. As a result, its glucose uptake and the digestive and reproductive functions are disrupted, leading to immobilization, inhibition of egg production and death of the helminth.
Mebendazole is active against:
Ancylostoma duodenale
Ascaris lumbricoides
Enterobius vermicularis
Necator americanus
Trichuris trichiura
There is a potential for development of resistance to mebendazole. The mechanism of resistance to mebendazole is likely due to changes of beta-tubulin protein, which reduces binding of mebendazole to beta-tubulin; however, the clinical significance of this is not known.
Efficacy rates derived from various studies are shown in Table 4 below:
Table 4: Mean Cure Rates and Egg Reductions from Clinical Studies
| Pinworm (enterobiasis) |
Whipworm (trichuriasis) |
Roundworm (ascariasis) |
Hookworm | |
| Cure rates mean | 95% | 68% | 98% | 96% |
| Egg reduction mean | - | 93% | 99% | 99% |
VERMOX™
(ver-MOX)
(mebendazole) Chewable Tablets, for Oral Use
What is VERMOX?
VERMOX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 2 years of age and older with intestinal worm infections caused by pinworm, whipworm, roundworm, or hookworm.
Who should not take VERMOX?
Do not take VERMOX if you are allergic to mebendazole or any of the ingredients in VERMOX. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in VERMOX.
Before you take VERMOX, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using VERMOX with certain other medicines can change the way these medicines act, causing serious side effects.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take VERMOX?
What should I avoid while taking VERMOX?
Do not take VERMOX with metronidazole (a medicine used to treat bacterial and protozoan infections) as serious skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can happen.
What are the possible side effects of VERMOX?
VERMOX may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of VERMOX include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of VERMOX.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store VERMOX?
Keep VERMOX and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of VERMOX.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use VERMOX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VERMOX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about VERMOX that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in VERMOX?
Active ingredient: mebendazole
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, hydrogenated vegetable oil, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin, sodium starch glycolate, talc, tetrarome orange, and FD&C yellow No.6.
