Ovex Threadworm Treatment Tablet

Ovex Threadworm Treatment Tablet is a pharmacy medicine used in the UK for the treatment of threadworm (also known as pinworm) infections of the gut. Each single tablet contains 100 mg of mebendazole, an anthelmintic medicine that works by preventing threadworms from absorbing glucose, which they need to survive. Without glucose, the worms lose energy and die, then pass out of the body naturally in the stool.

Threadworm infections are highly contagious and commonly affect children and adults alike. A single-dose chewable or swallowable tablet makes Ovex an easy, effective choice for home treatment. It is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over. 

Adults and children aged 2 years and over:

• Take one tablet only as a single-dose treatment.
• The tablet may be chewed or swallowed whole. For younger children who cannot swallow whole tablets, the tablet can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food or liquid to aid administration.
• The tablet can be taken with or without food.

Family treatment:

• Because threadworms spread easily, it is recommended that all household members aged 2 years and over take a single tablet at the same time, even if asymptomatic, to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Repeat dose:

• In some cases, if reinfection is suspected, a second tablet may be recommended after approximately 2 weeks — only take this if advised by a pharmacist or doctor.

Important UK pharmacy guidance:

• Not suitable for children under 2 years unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
• Always read the enclosed patient information leaflet and follow the advice of your pharmacist or doctor before use.

Active Ingredient:

• Mebendazole 100 mg — a broad-spectrum anthelmintic that prevents threadworms from absorbing glucose, causing them to die and be eliminated from the body.

Other Ingredients (excipients):

• Microcrystalline cellulose — filler.
• Sodium starch glycolate — disintegrant.
• Talc — lubricant.
• Maize starch — binder.
• Sodium saccharin — sweetener.
• Magnesium stearate — lubricant.
• Cottonseed oil (hydrogenated) — excipient.
• Orange flavour — flavouring for palatability.
• Colloidal anhydrous silica — anti-caking agent.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate — surfactant.
• Orange yellow S (E110) — colourant.

Form: Chewable/oral tablet suitable for use in adults and children aged 2 + when taken as directed.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Ovex may cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common or occasional effects can include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain.
• Diarrhoea, flatulence or mild nausea.
• Rare skin reactions, including rash or itching.

If side effects are persistent, severe or concerning, discontinue use and seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor.

Warnings & Precautions

Before use, consult a healthcare professional if you or the intended user:

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding — Ovex is generally contra-indicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you should seek medical advice before taking.
• Have a known allergy to mebendazole or any of the excipients listed above.
• Are taking other medicines, especially metronidazole or cimetidine, as caution may be needed due to potential interaction.

Age Restrictions:

• Not recommended for children under 2 years unless advised by a doctor, as safety data are limited in very young children.

When to Seek Medical Help

Stop treatment and seek urgent medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, throat or difficulty breathing.
• Severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms that do not resolve with treatment.