Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Mintezol

Generic Name: thiabendazole (Pronunciation: thye a BEN da zole)

• What is thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What are the possible side effects of thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• How should I take thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mintezol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mintezol)?
• What should I avoid while taking thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• What other drugs will affect thiabendazole (Mintezol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is thiabendazole (Mintezol)?

Thiabendazole is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in the body.

Thiabendazole is used to treat infections caused by worms such as threadworm. Thiabendazole may also be used to treat pinworm (when it occurs with threadworm), hookworm, whipworm, roundworm, and trichinosis.

Thiabendazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of thiabendazole (Mintezol)?

Stop taking thiabendazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of the throat; or hives).

Rarely, other serious side effects can occur. Stop taking thiabendazole and contact your doctor if you experience

• seizures;
• behavior or personality changes;
• skin rash;
• vision changes; or
• yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take thiabendazole and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness, drowsiness, or headache;
• numbness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or decreased appetite;
• unusual urine odor;
• fever or chills;
• ringing in the ears;
• blurred vision or dryness of the eyes; or
• appearance of live worms in the mouth or nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about thiabendazole (Mintezol)?

Take thiabendazole with food to lessen stomach upset. Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding treatment; washing of clothes, linens, and towels; and household disinfecting. Pinworm infections are easily spread from one person to another.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Thiabendazole may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

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