Fugacar (mebendazole, anthelmintic)

Fugacar is the brand name of the drug mebendazole. Mebendazole is an anthelmintic or deworming agent. It works by disrupting the parasitic worms’ (bulate sa tiyan) digestive and reproductive functions, resulting in paralysis and death.

Fugacar is a brand that may not be available in the Philippines. An alternative is Antiox (mebendazole).

Uses

What is Fugacar used for?

Fugacar is commonly used for treatment single or mixed gastrointestinal infestations by

• Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm);
• Trichuris trichiura (whipworm);
• Ascaris lumbricoides (large roundworm);
• Ancylostoma duodenale (common hookworm);
• Necator americanus (American hookworm).

How should I take Fugacar?

This drug can be taken with or without food. The chewable tablet should be taken by mouth and chewed thoroughly. If given to a child or adult that cannot chew, the tablet can be crushed and mixed with soft food such as applesauce or yogurt.

How do I store Fugacar?

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. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Fugacar?

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding. 
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• An allergy with any ingredients of Fugacar or other medications.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication.

This medication is pregnancy risk category C, 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.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Fugacar?

Fugacar may cause these sides, such as:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea

Not everyone experiences these side effects. Additionally, there may be other side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Fugacar?

This drug 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.

Avoid using Fugacar with metronidazole, cimetidine. Cimetidine may inhibit mebendazole’s metabolism and lead to increase the plasma level of mebendazole.

Does food or alcohol interact with Fugacar?

This drug 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.

What health conditions may interact with Fugacar?

This drug may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, such as:

• Liver disease. Monitor hematologic parameters and liver function tests during long-term treatment.

Dosage

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

What is the dose for an adult?

Take one tablet as a single dose. Your doctor may recommend taking one tablet every 3 to 4 months.

What is the dose for a child?

For children over 2 years old, give the same dose as an adult.

The dose for children under 2 years has not been established. Talk to a pediatrician for the correct dose.

How is Fugacar available?

Fugacar is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Chewable tablet 500 mg

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

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services (115) or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Fugacar®, 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.

Sources

Fugacar® (Mebendazole). http://www.mims.com/vietnam/drug/info/Fugacar /Fugacar ?type=full. Accessed September 30, 2016.

Mebendazole. https://www.drugs.com/dosage/mebendazole.html. Accessed September 30, 2016.