Antiox (Mebendazole, anthelmintic)

Antiox is the brand name of mebendazole. Mebendazole is an anthelmintic or deworming agent. Mebendazole may be given to treat or prevent (prophylaxis) various intestinal worm infestations (bulate sa tiyan) in adults and children.

Uses

What is Antiox used for?

• Preventing worms from growing or multiplying in the body
• Treating infections caused by worms such as whipworm, pinworm, roundworm, and hookworm

How should I take Antiox?

Antiox is formulated into oral dosage forms such as tablets and suspensions. If you are taking the tablet, thoroughly chew and swallow it. Follow it with a glass of water.

If you are taking the oral suspension, follow the package directions to dilute the product. Only use clean drinking water. Shake the bottle thoroughly to completely mix the contents. Use a medical-grade measuring cup for the dose, as household spoons may not be accurate.

How do I store this product?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of mebendazole that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Talk to a pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Side effects

What side effects can occur while taking Antiox?

As with any drug, Antiox may cause some side effects. Side effects are generally related to the dose and usually subside after the dose is lowered or treatment has ended. However, it is always important for you to consult your doctor if you have any problem after taking this medicine.

Some reported side effects are listed below:

• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence (gas)
• Decreased appetite (anorexia)
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Liver damage

Not everyone will experience side effects. Alternatively, some people may experience side effects not listed above. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist for more information about managing possible side effects.

Precautions and warnings

What should I know before using Antiox?

Before using Antiox, tell your doctor if you have/had:

• An allergic reaction to Antiox or mebendazole before.
• Known allergies to other substances (e.g. drugs, dyes, other ingredients).
• Any other health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, liver disease or ulcerative colitis.

Is this product safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Antiox during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, mebendazole has shown embryotoxic and teratogenic activity in rats and in mice at single oral doses. Therefore, always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication. It is not known whether mebendazole passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Do not take mebendazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Antiox is a pregnancy risk category C drug, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk;
• B=No risk in some studies;
• C=There may be some risk;
• D=Positive evidence of risk;
• X=Contraindicated;
• N=Unknown

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Antiox?

This product may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Antiox may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.

What is the dose of Antiox for an adult?

1-dose treatment: take 500 mg as a single dose.

3-day treatment: take 100 mg twice a day (morning and evening), for 3 consecutive days.

What is the dose of Antiox for a child?

For children 2 years and older, give the same dose as an adult.

The dose for children under 1 year old has not been established. Therefore, consult with a pediatrician for the appropriate dosage.

How is Antiox available?

This product is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Chewable tablet (chocolate flavor) 500 mg
• Oral suspension 50 mg/mL in a 10 mL bottle
• Oral suspension (chocolate flavor) 20 mg/mL in a 30 mL bottle

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Symptoms of overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Dizziness
• Weakness

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.