Combantrin-1 products are different from the other Combantrin products in that they use mebendazole as the active ingredient instead of pyrantel embonate. They offer a one tablet, once only, treatment for pinworms / threadworms. Combantrin-1 with mebendazole can be used by children over 2 years of age.

Threadworms are highly contagious. They are easily spread by their tiny eggs being swallowed. The eggs can be transmitted through the air and breathed in. They can be picked off surfaces, such as door handles. They are then swallowed later when the fingers are placed in the mouth. The eggs stick together with a "glue" like substance which causes the itching sensation. When the infected area is scratched the eggs are transferred to the fingernails, then back to the mouth, continuing the cycle.

There are often no symptoms but the common signs of threadworm infestation are persistent scratching of the bottom, restless sleep, loss of appetite and irritability.

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic, meaning an agent designed to destroy parasitic intestinal worms, that works by interfering with the proteins in either the worm's intestine or absorptive cells. This inhibits the threadworms' ability to absorb glucose (sugars) which depletes them of the energy that they need to survive. As a result the threadworm dies within several days.

Take only one Combantrin-1 chocolate square, regardless of your body weight, with or without food, to kill threadworm in adults and children over 2 years of age.

Combantrin-1 chocolate squares each contain 100mg of mebendazole. Combantrin-1 chocolate squares are available in packs of 4 chocolate squares, enough to treat 4 people for threadworm. Combantrin-1 chocolate squares contain no gluten, artificial colours or artificial flavours, to the equivalent to less than 0.3% W/W. The chocolate squares do contain lactose, sucrose. The appearance of the chocolate squares may alter slightly with storage but this does not affect the quality or effectiveness of the product.

Side effects: Side effects are unusual but can include diarrhoea or abdominal pain. These are often only short term side effects and may be related to the size of the threadworm infestation but see your doctor if symptoms persist.

If pregnant consult your doctor prior to use. Do not give to children under 2 years of age. Roundworm, whipworm and hookworm infections can be treated with Combantrin-1 chocolate squares but you should seek medical advice before beginning treatment if you suspect that you have any of these worm infections because they are difficult to diagnose. Free of gluten and artificial colours. Contains Lactose and sucrose. You should not take Combantrin-1 if you are allergic to, or have a hypersensitivity to, any of its ingredients. Caution is also required if you suffer from acute liver disease or are taking the anti-ulcer medication Cimetidine. In either of these cases, long-term treatment with mebendazole can lead to an excessive plasma concentration in the blood when the liver does not breakdown the mebendazole sufficiently. Caution should also be taken if you using the anticonvulsant Carbamazepine.