Emverm vs. Vermox for Parasitic Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Emverm

(mebendazole)

Vermox

(mebendazole)

Summary for Emverm

Prescription only

Emverm (mebendazole) is an antiparasitic medication used to treat various worm infections of the intestine like pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm. It comes as a chewable tablet that can be used in adults and children ages 2 years and older. It's only available as a brand-name medication since there is no generic. Common side effects include loss of appetite, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Indications for Emverm

Pros and Cons for Emverm

Pros

Can be taken with or without food
Safe to use in children 2 years and older
Works well with a small number of doses

Cons

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Can cause a serious skin reaction if taken with metronidazole
Can take up to 3 weeks for the infection to clear

Common Side Effects for Emverm

Reduced appetite
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Passing gas
Nausea
Vomiting
Rash

Warnings for Emverm

Seizures
Low white blood cell count
Serious skin reactions

Summary for Vermox

Discontinued

Vermox (mebendazole) is an antiparasite medication. It's used to treat roundworm and whipworm intestinal infections in adults and children ages 1 year and older. This medication is available as a chewable tablet that's taken by mouth as a single dose. Some side effects of Vermox (mebendazole) include stomach upset and rash.

Please note: Vermox (mebendazole) has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. Ask your primary care provider about other options to treat intestinal worm infections.

Indications for Vermox

Treatment of stomach infections in people ages 1 year and older due to:

Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)

Pros and Cons for Vermox

Pros

Works well to treat stomach infections caused by certain worms
Taken as a single dose
Can be used in children as young as 1 year of age

Cons

Only used for infections in the stomach due to Ascaris lumbricoide and Trichuris trichiura worms
Safety in pregnancy isn't clear
No longer available