Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking mebendazole - Brand names: Ovex, Vermox

Mebendazole and pregnancy

Mebendazole can be used during pregnancy, if necessary. However, threadworms are not dangerous to you or your baby. It is better to try to treat worms without taking a medicine first, particularly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when your baby is developing.

It's important to:

• wash your hands and scrub under your fingernails – particularly before eating, after using the toilet or after changing nappies
• bathe or shower every morning
• rinse toothbrushes before using them
• keep fingernails short
• wash sleepwear, sheets and towels regularly
• disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces
• vacuum regularly and dust using a damp cloth

These methods usually get rid of worms within 6 weeks. If they do not work or you are unable to do this, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about using mebendazole.

If you have another type of worm infection such as roundworm or hookworm, speak to a doctor about the best way to treat it.

Mebendazole and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take mebendazole while breastfeeding.

Mebendazole only passes into breast milk in tiny amounts, and your baby will not be able to absorb a lot into their body from the breast milk. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Mebendazole and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking mebendazole reduces fertility in either men or women.

Find out more about how mebendazole can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.