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Efficacy and safety of mebendazole in children with worm infestation
Insights
Mebendazole effectively treated worm infestations in children, achieving a 100% cure rate for Ascaris and 75% for Trichuris. The medication was well-tolerated, with mild diarrhea as the only reported side effect.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Worm infestations are common in children.
- Effective and safe treatments are crucial for pediatric parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mebendazole in treating children with worm infestation.
- To determine the cure rates for specific helminths like Ascaris and Trichuris.
Main Methods:
- A study included 55 children aged 2-16 years with worm infestation.
- Children received mebendazole (100 mg twice daily for 3 days).
- Cure rates and side effects were assessed over a 15-day follow-up, including stool analysis and CBC.
Main Results:
- A 100% cure rate was observed for Ascaris infections.
- A 75% cure rate was achieved for Trichuris infections.
- Mebendazole was well-tolerated, with 22% experiencing mild diarrhea; no other adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- Mebendazole (Nemazole) demonstrates significant promise as a treatment for pediatric worm infestations.
- The drug is effective and generally safe for use in children, with a favorable side effect profile.
Abstract:
Children aged between 2-16 years, were screened for worm infestation. Fifty-five children fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. They were treated with mebendazole 100 mg twice daily for three consecutive days and followed-up for 15 days to assess cure rate and side effects. Fifty children completed the study with their stools being tested by direct smear and concentration methods and blood CBC done before treatment and at the end of the study. The cure rate for ascaris was 100% and for trichuris 75%. The drug was well tolerated and apart from mild diarrhoea occurring in 22% children, no untoward effects were reported. Nemazole (mebendazole) has shown promise and seems useful in treating children with worm infestation.