What is Ovex Suspension?

Ovex Suspension is a medicine, which is used to treat threadworm (sometimes known as pinworm) infections of the gut. The medicine contains mebendazole, which is one of a group of medicines called 'anthelmintics'.

This medicine is for use in adults and children aged over 2 years.

What are threadworms? 

Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny white parasitic worms that live in the bowel. They are approximately half an inch long and resemble threads of white cotton – hence the name threadworms.

How common are threadworms?

Threadworms are extremely common, especially in children. It is estimated that up to 40% of children under ten years in the UK may be affected at any one time. Once a child has threadworms, it is very easy for the rest of the family to get them.

How do threadworms spread?

Threadworms spread by producing large numbers of tiny eggs. These eggs are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. When swallowed, the eggs pass into the bowel where they hatch into worms. When mature, the female threadworm lays her eggs at night around the anal area, which causes an "itchy bottom". The resulting irritation can cause intense scratching, which may lead to further infections if the skin becomes sore or broken. Scratching also allows transfer of the eggs to the fingers and nails. Eggs can then be easily transferred to the mouth by finger sucking or nail biting, causing re-infection, and spread to other members of the family by direct contact or via food, towels and bed linen etc.

Threadworm eggs are present in house dust; they stick to clothing, carpets, towels and bed linen; they can also be picked up on unwashed vegetables and salads. Because the eggs are so small and so widespread, it is very easy for them to be swallowed.

Lifecycle of threadworms

2 - 6 weeks.

• Scratching the bottom transfers eggs to fingers and from there back to the mouth or to others either by direct contact or via food, bed linen etc.
• Eggs swallowed.
• Female worms migrate to the anal area to lay eggs at night.

Are threadworms harmful?

Threadworms do not cause serious damage but they are an irritating problem. Besides the intense itching, which can be distressing and embarrassing for the sufferer, they can also lead to disturbed sleep, tummy aches, irritable crying, loss of appetite or an unusually large appetite. Sometimes, threadworms can be transferred to the vagina and urinary passage. This can result in vaginal irritation and discharge, symptoms of cystitis or bed wetting.

Who gets threadworms?

Anyone, although they are more common in children. It does not mean that your family or your home are not clean. Because threadworms are passed on very easily it is a wise precaution to treat everyone in the family at the same time. 

How can you tell if someone has threadworms?

The most obvious sign of threadworms is intense itching in the anal area, especially at night, although this does not affect everyone. If your children frequently scratch their bottoms, suffer from disturbed sleep or become irritable, it is worth checking their motions and the anal area for tiny white threads. If one member of the family has threadworms, the rest of the family may already have picked up the infection, even if they do not have obvious symptoms. Important note: Threadworms only affect humans, they do not affect pets.

General advice about threadworms

To ensure that you and your family do not infect others or re-infect yourselves, you should also follow the hygiene measures listed below for at least six weeks:

• Keep nails short.
• Discourage nail biting or finger sucking.
• Wear pyjamas or underclothes in bed.
• In the mornings, wash thoroughly around the bottom.
• Provide a towel for the exclusive use of each member of the household.
• Change clothes regularly.
• Regularly wash and iron bed linen.
• Thoroughly wash hands and nails after using the toilet and before each meal.

Do you need to keep your children off school?

No. As long as the children are treated and the general hygiene measures outlined above are followed, there is no reason to keep them off school.

How can you stop threadworms from coming back? 

Threadworms are easily treated but unless the following precautions are taken the problem may recur:

• Follow the general advice above.
• Make sure everyone in the family is treated at the same time.
  

How to take Ovex Suspension

• Always shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
• The suspension should be taken using the 5 ml measuring cup in the pack.
• For oral use only.
• Always supervise a child if they are taking this medicine.
  

Adults and children aged 2 years and over: Take one 5 ml dose per family member

• If symptoms do not disappear within a few days, speak to your doctor.
• If you are re-infected your pharmacist may recommend that a second dose is taken after 2 weeks.
  

What does Ovex Suspension contain

The active ingredient in Ovex Suspension is: Mebendazole 100 mg per 5 ml. 

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