Mebendazole 100 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Threadworm (pinworm) – the common cause of night-time anal itching in children; Roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.94 to ₹3.10 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mebendazole Tablets IP 100 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 6 | ₹8.44 | ₹1.41 | 19 October 2026 |
| Helmintol 100 | Medley Pharmaceuticals | 6 | ₹5.63 | ₹0.94 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mendazole 100 | GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare | 6 | ₹7.08 | ₹1.18 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mebex | Cipla Ltd | 6 | ₹18.57 | ₹3.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Wormin 100 | Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 6 | ₹18.58 | ₹3.10 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Threadworm (pinworm) – the common cause of night-time anal itching in children.
- Roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections.
- Routine deworming of family members when one person has worms.
How to take it
For threadworm, take one 100 mg tablet as a single dose; if symptoms return, a second dose is taken 2 weeks later. For roundworm, hookworm or whipworm, take one tablet twice a day, morning and evening, for 3 days. The tablet can be chewed, crushed or swallowed with water, with or without food; crush it for young children. Everyone in the household over 2 years is usually treated at the same time to stop reinfection. Wash hands well, keep nails short, wash bedding and underwear in hot water. See a doctor if symptoms have not improved after a few days.
Side effects
Common
- Stomach pain or discomfort.
- Wind or bloating.
- Diarrhoea.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Seizures (rare).
- Severe allergic reaction – rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Liver problems or blood cell changes with prolonged high-dose use (rare).
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but avoid alcohol if you feel unwell during treatment.
Pregnancy
Speak to a doctor first. It is avoided in early pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk; hygiene measures may be advised instead. It can often be used while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
No dose change is usually needed; tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; prolonged use needs monitoring.
Children
Used from 2 years for threadworm; children between 6 months and 2 years only on a doctor's prescription. Crush the tablet for small children.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
- Metronidazole – rare risk of serious skin reactions when combined; tell your doctor.
- Cimetidine (an acid reducer) – can raise mebendazole levels.
- Epilepsy medicines carbamazepine and phenytoin – can lower mebendazole levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mebex tablet used for?
Mebex (mebendazole) treats threadworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections. It is commonly used for children with night-time anal itching and for family deworming.
How do I take Mebex for worms?
For threadworm, one 100 mg tablet as a single dose, repeated after 2 weeks if symptoms return. For roundworm, hookworm or whipworm, one tablet twice a day for 3 days. Chew, crush or swallow with water.
Mebex vs Zentel (albendazole) – which is better?
Both are deworming medicines that work on similar worms. Albendazole is often given as a single dose in school deworming programmes; mebendazole courses differ by worm type. Your doctor or pharmacist chooses based on the infection.
Should the whole family take Wormin?
Yes, for threadworm everyone in the household over 2 years is usually treated on the same day, because eggs spread easily. Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or under 2 should ask a doctor first.
Can I take Mebex in pregnancy?
Speak to a doctor first. It is generally avoided in early pregnancy, and hygiene measures may be tried instead.
Can Mebex be given to a 1 year old?
Only on a doctor's prescription. Children between 6 months and 2 years need medical advice; from 2 years it is used for threadworm.
Does Mebex kill the worms immediately?
It works over a few days as the worms die and pass out in stool. Itching may take a few days to settle; hygiene prevents reinfection.
Does Mebex need a prescription in India?
Mebendazole is a Schedule H medicine in India, so chemists should ask for a prescription, although deworming tablets are widely used.
Sources
- NHS – Mebendazole (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms