Mebendazole

Mebendazole belongs to the chemical group of benzimidazoles. It is used to treat diseases caused by worms.

Mebendazole shows effect on the following organisms:

• Tapeworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Trichinae
• Pinworms
• Roundworms

So it is an anthelmintic. Mebendazole is available by prescription and is usually given in tablet form.

Pharmacodynamics

Mebendazole interferes with the cellular metabolism of worms. It binds to the protein β-tubulin. This disrupts the integrity of the worm cells and metabolic transport. It thereby prevents the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract of the worms. As a result, the parasite runs out of energy reserves after a certain time and dies. The substance has no effect on humans,

Pharmacokinetics

Only 5-10% of mebendazole is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. This percentage can be increased somewhat by fatty food. The active substance is present in the blood bound to proteins to 90-99%. It is primarily broken down in the cells of the liver by the enzymes of the CYP450 system. Only 2% of the ingested dose is metabolized and excreted in the urine. The majority is excreted unchanged in the stool. The elimination half-life is between 2 and 5 hours.

Drug Interactions

Carbamazepine, metronidazole and phenytoin should not be taken concurrently as they may increase or decrease plasma levels of Mebendazole. Therefore, drastic side effects or lack of effectiveness may occur.

Side effects

Mebendazole is usually well tolerated. Typical side effects after taking mebendazole are gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and flatulence. Furthermore, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Signs of overdose include elevated liver enzyme levels, fever, hair loss, pruritus and neutropenia.

Toxicological data