Ovex suspension

Ovex Suspension (mebendazole 100mg/5ml) is a single-dose threadworm treatment in an easy liquid form for the whole family.

  • Single 5ml dose clears threadworms (pinworms)
  • Liquid form – easy to give to children aged 2 and over
  • Treat the whole household at the same time
  • Second dose after 2 weeks if re-infection is suspected
  • Pharmacy (P) medicine from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£11.99

Ovex Suspension threadworm treatment - mebendazole 100mg/5ml single dose

Ovex Suspension is a simple, single-dose threadworm treatment for the whole family. The liquid contains mebendazole 100mg per 5ml, which clears the threadworms (pinworms) that commonly affect children and spread easily through a household.

What is Ovex Suspension?

Ovex is an oral suspension containing the anti-worm medicine mebendazole. It treats infection with Enterobius vermicularis – threadworm – and the liquid form makes it easy to give to children. It is a pharmacy (P) medicine supplied from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.

How do you know if you have threadworms?

The classic sign is an itchy bottom, especially at night, when the female worms lay their eggs. You may spot tiny white thread-like worms (around 1cm long) around the bottom or in the stools. Threadworms are extremely common in young children and are not a sign of poor hygiene.

How to take Ovex Suspension

  • Adults and children over 2 years: a single 5ml spoonful (100mg) by mouth.
  • Shake the bottle and measure the dose with the spoon or measure provided.
  • It can be taken at any time, with or without food.
  • A second dose after 2 weeks is highly recommended if re-infection is suspected.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

Treat the whole family

Threadworms pass very easily from person to person, so it is strongly recommended that everyone in the household is treated at the same time – including those without symptoms – to stop the worms being passed back and forth.

Hygiene measures to stop re-infection

Treatment works best alongside two weeks of careful hygiene:

  • Wash hands and scrub under the nails first thing in the morning, after the toilet and before eating.
  • Keep nails short; discourage scratching the bottom and nail-biting.
  • Have a shower or bath each morning to wash away eggs laid overnight.
  • Wash bed linen, nightwear and towels, and avoid sharing towels or flannels.

How does Ovex work?

Mebendazole works by stopping the worms from absorbing the glucose (sugar) they need to survive. Deprived of energy, the threadworms die and are cleared from the gut over the following days.

Side effects of Ovex

Side effects are uncommon and generally mild – some tummy ache, wind or loose stools as the worms clear. Rarely, an allergic reaction such as a rash can occur; stop use and seek advice if this happens.

Who should not take Ovex?

Do not take Ovex if you are pregnant, or if you are allergic to mebendazole. Use it in breastfeeding only on advice. It is not recommended for children under 2 years (and not for infants under 1) – ask your pharmacist about treating a very young child. Tell your pharmacist about any other medicines or health conditions first.

Buy Ovex Suspension online

Order Ovex Suspension from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. As a pharmacy medicine, your order includes a short suitability check so our team can confirm it is right for your family. Browse related products in our stomach and bowel range.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If threadworms keep coming back, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Ovex FAQs

What is Ovex used for?
Ovex is a treatment for threadworms (pinworms), the small white worms that commonly infect children and their families. The suspension contains mebendazole, which clears the worms from the gut.
How do you take Ovex Suspension?
For adults and children over 2 years, the usual dose is a single 5ml spoonful (100mg of mebendazole) taken by mouth. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Shake the bottle first and use the measure provided.
Do you need to treat the whole family for threadworms?
Yes. Threadworms spread very easily, so it is strongly recommended that everyone in the household is treated at the same time – even those without symptoms – to stop the infection passing back and forth.
Should you take a second dose of Ovex?
A single dose kills the worms, but the eggs can survive and cause re-infection. It is highly recommended to take a second dose after two weeks if re-infection is suspected, alongside careful hygiene in the meantime.
How long does Ovex take to work?
Mebendazole starts killing the worms soon after the dose, and they are cleared over the following days. Good hygiene for two weeks afterwards is what stops any surviving eggs causing a new infection.
What hygiene measures help get rid of threadworms?
Alongside treatment: wash hands and scrub under the nails first thing in the morning, after using the toilet and before eating; keep nails short and discourage scratching or nail-biting; have a shower or bath each morning to wash away eggs; and wash bed linen, nightwear and towels. Keep this up for two weeks.
Can children take Ovex?
Yes – the suspension is well suited to children and is used for those aged 2 and over. It is not recommended for children under 2 (and not for infants under 1). If in doubt about a young child, ask your pharmacist.
Can you take Ovex in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Ovex should not be taken in pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, use it only with your pharmacist’s or doctor’s advice. Tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding before treating threadworms.
What are the side effects of Ovex?
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as tummy ache, wind or loose stools as the worms are cleared. Rarely, some people get a rash or other allergic reaction – stop use and seek advice if this happens.
How do I know if I have threadworms?
The most common sign is an itchy bottom, especially at night. You may also see tiny white thread-like worms (about 1cm) around the bottom or in the stools. Threadworms are very common in children and are not a sign of poor hygiene.
Can you take Ovex twice in a week?
The usual course is a single dose of Ovex (mebendazole), repeated once after 2 weeks if needed to catch any newly hatched worms. Taking a second dose within the same week is not the standard advice – the 2-week gap is timed to the threadworm life cycle. If you think the first dose has not worked, check with your pharmacist before re-dosing.
How long does Ovex stay in your system?
Very little mebendazole is absorbed into the body – most stays in the gut where the worms are, and what is absorbed is cleared within a day or two. It works locally in the intestine rather than circulating around the body.
Does Ovex kill all types of worm?
Ovex (mebendazole) is highly effective against threadworm (pinworm), by far the most common worm in the UK, and also works against roundworm, whipworm and hookworm. It is mainly used for threadworm. If you are not sure which worm you are dealing with, or symptoms persist, see your doctor.

You may also like…

Related products