Mebendazole

Information about Mebendazole

Mebendazole is an antihelmintic agent used commonly for roundworm (pinworm and hookworm) infections, trichinosis, capillariasis and toxocariasis and other parasitic worm infections.

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Mebendazole ball-and-stick animation

Liver safety of Mebendazole

Mebendazole when given for prolonged periods in high doses has been associated with elevations in serum enzyme levels, and rare instances of acute, clinically apparent liver injury have been linked to its use.

Mechanism of action of Mebendazole

Mebendazole (me ben' da zole) is a benzimidazole antihelmintic similar in structure and mechanism of action to thiabendazole and albendazole. The benzimidazoles act by selective binding to beta-tubulin of parasitic worms, causing their immobilization and death. Mebendazole and albendazole share similar antihelmintic activity, mebendazole generally being preferred for treatment of pinworm and roundworm infections, and albendazole (because it is better absorbed) for systemic parasitic infections such as echinococcocosis and cystericosis.

FDA approval information for Mebendazole

Mebendazole was approved for use in the United States in 1974 and is indicated for therapy of common parasitic worm infections.

Dosage and administration for Mebendazole

Mebendazole is available generically in 100 mg chewable tablets. The usual dose is 100 to 500 mg once (pinworm) or varying doses for 3 days (whipworm, hookworm and roundworm infections), or varying doses for up to 28 days, depending upon the indication.

Side effects of Mebendazole

Side effects are uncommon, but can include gastrointestinal upset, fever and diarrhea.

The following are antihelmintic agents 

• Albendazole
• Ivermectin
• Mebendazole
• Nitazoxanide
• Pentamidine
• Praziquantel
• Pyrantel
• Thiabendazole

• Dailymed label info on Mebendazole
• FDA Mebendazole