To      : Arnetta
Re      : Vermox (mebendazole)
 From    : New Red Book and Tom Hale


Mebendazole                Fax # 1436

Trade:  Vermox
Uses:   Anthelmintic
AAP:    Not reviewed

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic used primarily for pin worms,  although it
is active against round worms, hookworms, and a number of other nematodes.
Mebendazole is poorly absorbed orally. Following oral administration of
multiple doses in two adults,  mean peak plasma levels were only 0.08 µg/mL
after 2 hours.   In children following multiple oral doses,  the mean peak
plasma levels were less than 0.03 µg/mL.  No data is available on its
penetration into human milk.  Considering the poor oral absorption and high
protein binding,  it is unlikely to be transmitted to the infant in
clinically relevant concentrations.  However,  in one patient after two
days therapy with mebendazole,  it was reported to significantly reduce
production of breastmilk to the point that milk production ceased after  
one week.

Adverse Effects: Diarrhea, abdominal pain,  nausea, vomiting, headache.  
Observe  mother for reduced production of breastmilk

AHL= 2.8-9 hours         M/P=
PHL=                    PB  = High
PK  = 0.5-7.0 hours      Oral= 2-10%

References:
1.      Rao TS, Does mebendazole inhibit lactation?  NZ Medical J.
96:589-590, 1983.