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Antiparasitic medicines help treat infections caused by worms and other parasites. This category includes products containing ivermectin, mebendazole and fenbendazole in different strengths and pack sizes.
Antiparasitic medicines are used to kill parasites or stop them from growing inside the body. A parasite is a small organism that survives by living on or inside another living thing.
Some parasites live in the intestines. Others affect the skin, blood, eyes or internal organs. The correct parasite treatment depends on the organism involved and the part of the body it affects. Anthelmintic medicines are a type of antiparasitic treatment used mainly against parasitic worms. Different medicines work against different worms, so one intestinal worm medicine cannot treat every infection.
Parasitic infections can spread through contaminated food, unsafe water, soil, insect bites or contact with an infected person or animal. Walking barefoot on contaminated ground and eating undercooked meat can also increase exposure.
Poor hand hygiene can help some worm eggs pass from one person to another. Certain parasites are more common in warm climates, but infection can occur in any country.
Parasitic infection symptoms depend on the type of parasite. Some people have no symptoms at first. Common signs include:
Stomach pain or bloating
Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
Itching around the anus
Tiredness or weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Acne or other skin problems
Visible worms or eggs in the stool
Fever or swollen glands
Changes in appetite
These symptoms can also come from other health problems. A stool test, blood test, skin examination or other medical test can help identify the cause.
Medicines for parasitic infections are selected according to the type of parasite, age, body weight and medical history.
Ivermectin - Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine used for selected worm infections. Some formulations are also used for conditions caused by mites or lice. Ivermectin tablets are available in different strengths. Products in this category include Iversun 12 mg, Ivrwell 12 mg, Ivercare 12 mg, Covimectin 12 mg and Iverheal 6 mg. Ivermectin for parasites should be taken only in the correct dose. The number of tablets cannot be decided from the strength alone because dosing often depends on body weight and the infection being treated.
Mebendazole - Mebendazole is used for worm infection treatment involving susceptible intestinal worms. These include pinworm, roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infections. Mebentel 100 mg contains mebendazole. Mebendazole tablets stop worms from using the sugar they need to survive. The treatment schedule depends on the type of worm. In some infections, a second dose is needed because the first dose kills worms but not their eggs.
Fenbendazole - Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic used mainly in veterinary medicine. Febentel 222 mg and Febentel 444 mg contain fenbendazole. Fenbendazole tablets intended for animals must not be taken by people. Human safety, dosing and effectiveness have not been established, and veterinary products can contain different formulations or inactive ingredients.
Some antiparasitic ingredients are being studied to see whether they could have other medical uses. This is called drug repurposing research. A laboratory result does not prove that a product can safely treat people.
Fenbendazole cancer research has mainly involved laboratory and animal studies. Fenbendazole is not an approved human cancer treatment, and there is no established human cancer dose.
Ivermectin cancer research includes laboratory studies and early clinical investigation. It has not established ivermectin as a standard cancer medicine.
Mebendazole cancer research includes small and early human studies. The results remain limited and do not support replacing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or another treatment selected by an oncologist.
Ivermectin COVID-19 research has not shown a meaningful clinical benefit. Ivermectin is not approved for preventing or treating COVID-19. Fenbendazole and mebendazole are also not established COVID-19 treatments.
Side effects depend on the medicine and dose. Ivermectin and mebendazole can cause nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness or a skin reaction. Some symptoms can also occur when dying parasites trigger inflammation inside the body. Serious reactions are uncommon but require medical attention. Seek help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe rash, confusion, fainting, vision changes or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Do not take an antiparasitic product simply because symptoms resemble a worm infection. The wrong medicine can delay correct treatment and expose the body to unnecessary side effects. Before treatment, check:
The parasite or infection being treated
Whether the product is made for humans or animals
The correct dose and treatment duration
Possible liver, kidney or neurological conditions
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Other medicines being taken
Whether other household members also need assessment
Complete treatment as directed. Do not take extra tablets if symptoms continue without first checking the diagnosis.
Seek medical advice when symptoms continue after treatment, worms repeatedly return or there is blood in the stool. Medical care is also important for severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, dehydration, high fever or unexplained weight loss. Children, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems should receive professional guidance before taking parasite medicine.
KwickPharmacy helps customers compare antiparasitic medicines by ingredient, strength, manufacturer and pack size. Product availability and medicine requirements vary by destination. Products should be selected for their recognised antiparasitic use. Research into cancer or COVID-19 does not make these products approved treatments for either condition.
Antiparasitic medicines treat infections caused by susceptible parasites. Depending on the medicine, these can include intestinal worms, mites, lice and parasites affecting other parts of the body.