Ovex Suspension contains mebendazole 100mg per 5ml and is used to treat threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infestation of the gut in adults and children over 2 years. The banana-flavour 30ml family pack provides six single 5ml doses, enough to treat a household at the same time. Sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Mebendazole 100mg per 5ml |
|---|---|
| Format | Oral suspension, banana flavour, with a 5ml measuring cup |
| Use | Treatment of threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infestation of the gut |
| Age | Adults and children over 2 years. Not recommended under 2 years; must not be given under 1 year. |
| Dose | A single 5ml dose (100mg mebendazole) per person |
| Repeat dose | A second 5ml dose after two weeks if reinfection is suspected |
| Also contains | Sucrose 500mg per 5ml |
| Pack | 30ml bottle — six 5ml doses |
Who it is for
- Households where someone has threadworm: everyone is usually treated at the same time, which is why the pack holds six doses.
- Adults and children over 2 years who would rather take a liquid than a tablet.
Not suitable for: Anyone who is pregnant, anyone allergic to mebendazole or any of the ingredients, and children under 1 year. It is not recommended for children under 2 years, and should not be taken at the same time as metronidazole. It contains sucrose, so it is not suitable if you have hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you are breastfeeding.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use. For oral use only.
- Shake the bottle thoroughly before measuring each dose.
- Adults and children over 2 years: take a single 5ml dose using the measuring cup supplied.
- Treat everyone in the household at the same time, apart from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 2 years, and follow the hygiene measures in the leaflet to prevent reinfection.
- If reinfection is suspected, a second 5ml dose can be taken two weeks after the first.
Frequently asked questions
How many doses are in the bottle?
The 30ml bottle contains six 5ml doses, so it is enough to treat six people once each.
Why should the whole household be treated?
A single dose kills the threadworms but may not destroy their eggs, which can be passed on and cause reinfection. Treating everyone at the same time, together with hygiene measures, reduces that risk.
Can children take it?
Children over 2 years take the same single 5ml dose as adults. It is not recommended under 2 years and must not be given under 1 year.
Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
It must not be taken in pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or doctor first, as small amounts of mebendazole pass into breast milk.
Can I take a second dose?
Yes. If reinfection is suspected, a second 5ml dose can be taken two weeks after the first.
Safety and storage
- Contains sucrose, 500mg per 5ml dose. Speak to your doctor before taking it if you have been told you cannot tolerate some sugars.
- Do not take it at the same time as metronidazole.
- If symptoms continue after treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- No special storage conditions are needed. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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