Ovex Suspension Banana Flavour - 30ml

What Is the Best Threadworm Treatment for Children?

Threadworms are one of the most common childhood infections in the UK. If your child has been scratching around their bottom — especially at night — there is a good chance threadworms are the cause. The good news is that treatment is straightforward. Threadworm treatment for children does not need to be complicated, and Ovex Suspension Banana Flavour 30ml makes the process as easy as possible for both parent and child. It is a banana-flavoured oral liquid containing mebendazole 100mg/5ml, designed specifically for children aged 2 years and over who may struggle with tablets. You can browse our full range of baby and toddler health products if you need additional support for your little one.

Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are tiny white worms that live in the gut and lay eggs around the anus, causing intense itching. They spread easily between children — particularly in schools and nurseries — through hand-to-mouth contact. Treating quickly and treating the whole household at the same time is the most effective way to break the cycle of reinfection.

How Does Ovex Suspension Work Against Threadworms?

Ovex Suspension works through a targeted mechanism that disrupts the worm's ability to survive inside the gut. Here is how it works step by step:

• Mebendazole, the active ingredient, is absorbed into the threadworm's cells after the suspension is swallowed.
• It selectively binds to tubulin — a structural protein — in the worm's gut cells, preventing glucose uptake.
• Without glucose, the worm cannot produce energy and gradually dies.
• Dead worms are then expelled naturally through the bowel over the following days.

Importantly, mebendazole acts locally within the gut and is poorly absorbed into the human bloodstream, which is why it is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose.

Who Should Use Ovex Suspension Banana Flavour?

This suspension is suitable for children and adults who need a liquid alternative to tablets. It is particularly useful for younger children who find swallowing tablets difficult. The NHS advises treating all household members simultaneously when one person is diagnosed with threadworms, so this product can be used across the family where appropriate.

• Children aged 2 years and over with a confirmed or suspected threadworm infection
• Adults who prefer a liquid formulation over tablets
• Households where multiple members need treatment at the same time
• Parents looking for a palatable, easy-to-administer option for reluctant children

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers without medical advice. Always read the label before use.

How Does Ovex Suspension Compare to Ovex Tablets?

How Should You Store Ovex Suspension and Is It Clinically Suitable?

Ovex Suspension should be stored below 25°C and must not be refrigerated, as cold temperatures can affect the consistency of the liquid. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children when not in use. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.

From a clinical standpoint, this threadworm treatment for children is a well-established, first-line option recommended by NHS guidance. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it is available without a prescription but should be purchased from a registered pharmacy. If symptoms persist after treatment, or if reinfection occurs frequently, speak to your GP. Alongside medication, good hygiene — regular handwashing, washing bedding, and keeping fingernails short — is essential to prevent the worms returning.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Ovex Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Ovex Suspension Banana Flavour is an oral anthelmintic medicine used to treat threadworm infections (enterobiasis) in children aged 2 years and over, and in adults. Each 5ml dose contains 100mg of mebendazole, the active ingredient. Threadworms are the most common worm infection in the UK, particularly affecting school-age children. The NHS estimates that threadworms affect up to 40% of children under 10 at some point. This suspension offers a child-friendly, banana-flavoured alternative to tablets, making it easier to administer to younger or more reluctant patients.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Ovex Suspension?

Before giving this medicine, check the following contraindications and warnings carefully:

• Do not use in children under 2 years of age.
• Do not use during pregnancy — mebendazole may harm an unborn baby.
• Do not use if breastfeeding without first speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not use if your child is allergic to mebendazole or any other ingredient in the suspension.
• Use with caution in children with liver problems — seek medical advice first.
• If your child has Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, consult a GP before use.

The following drug interactions have been reported with mebendazole:

• Metronidazole: Concurrent use has been associated with rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Avoid combining these medicines.
• Cimetidine: May increase plasma levels of mebendazole — seek pharmacist advice if your child takes this medicine.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin): May reduce the effectiveness of mebendazole.

How Should You Use Ovex Suspension?

Always follow the instructions on the label or as directed by your pharmacist. Here is a step-by-step guide to giving Ovex Suspension correctly:

1. Shake the bottle well before each use.
2. Measure exactly 5ml using the oral syringe or measuring spoon provided.
3. Give the suspension by mouth — it can be swallowed directly or mixed with a small amount of food if preferred.
4. Treat all household members at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.
5. If reinfection occurs within a few weeks, a second dose may be given — but seek pharmacist advice first.
6. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the medicine.

Alongside medication, hygiene measures are essential. The NHS recommends washing bedding, towels, and nightwear on the day of treatment, vacuuming and damp-dusting regularly, and ensuring everyone washes their hands thoroughly — especially before eating and after using the toilet. You may also find it helpful to explore our first aid range for additional household health essentials.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Ovex Suspension?

Mebendazole is generally well tolerated at the single dose used for threadworms. Side effects are uncommon, but it is worth knowing what to look out for.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild abdominal pain or stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Nausea

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Skin rash or itching
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes (with prolonged use at higher doses — not typically relevant at single OTC dose)

Stop use and seek urgent medical attention if your child develops a severe skin reaction, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, as these may indicate a rare allergic reaction.

How Should You Store Ovex Suspension?

Correct storage helps maintain the medicine's effectiveness and safety. Follow these instructions:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle label.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

If you are managing other digestive health concerns in your household, our IBS and cramps collection may also be of interest.