Mintezol

Pronunciation: thye-a-BEN-da-zole
Generic Name: Thiabendazole
Brand Name: Mintezol

Mintezol is used for:

Treating worm infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Mintezol is an anthelmintic. The exact way Mintezol works is unknown. It is thought to work by blocking egg and larva production. It may also block a certain enzyme needed by the parasite.

Do NOT use Mintezol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mintezol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Mintezol:

Some medical conditions may interact with Mintezol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have liver or kidney problems


• if you have anemia or improper nutrition or you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Mintezol. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Xanthine derivatives (eg, theophylline) because side effects, including risk of nausea, vomiting, heart problems, or seizures, may be increased by Mintezol

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Mintezol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Mintezol:

Use Mintezol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Mintezol after meals.


• Chew thoroughly before swallowing.


• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Mintezol for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.


• If you miss a dose of Mintezol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Mintezol.

Important safety information:

• Mintezol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Mintezol. Using Mintezol alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.


• Strict hygiene is essential to prevent reinfection. To prevent getting this infection again, disinfect toilet facilities daily and change and wash underwear, bed linens, towels, and pajamas daily.


• Pinworm infections are easily spread to others. If one family member has a pinworm infection, all family members in close contact with the patient should be treated. This decreases the chance of spreading the infection.


• Do not use Mintezol to prevent worm infestations.


• Mintezol may cause high blood sugar (eg, thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor). If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately.


• LAB TESTS, including liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Mintezol with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• Use Mintezol with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 4 years of age or who weigh less than 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Safety and effectiveness in these age and weight groups have not been established.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Mintezol during pregnancy. It is unknown if Mintezol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mintezol.

Possible side effects of Mintezol:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; bad urine odor; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry eyes; giddiness; headache; indigestion; irritability; nausea; sensation of floating; stomach upset or pain; tiredness; vomiting; weakness; worms in mouth or nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; blurred vision; change in vision; chills; collapse; confusion; dark urine; depression; enlarged lymph nodes; flushing; hoarseness; increased thirst or urination; loss of coordination; numbness; red, swollen, or blistered skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe stomach pain; sore throat or fever; strange feeling in your eyes; uncontrolled urination; vision tinged yellow; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Mintezol side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include changes in vision or personality; mental/mood changes.

Proper storage of Mintezol:

Store Mintezol at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mintezol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Mintezol, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Mintezol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Mintezol. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Mintezol resources

• Mintezol Side Effects (in more detail)
• Mintezol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Mintezol Drug Interactions
• Mintezol Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Mintezol - Add your own review/rating

• Mintezol Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Mintezol Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)


• Mintezol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Thiabendazole Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Mintezol with other medications

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• Ascariasis
• Capillariasis
• Cutaneous Larva Migrans
• Dracunculiasis
• Hookworm Infection, Necator or Ancylostoma
• Strongyloidiasis
• Trichinosis
• Trichostrongylosis
• Visceral Larva Migrans, Toxicariasis
• Whipworm Infection