DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more

Active ingredient: Mebendazole - Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data

Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data

Drug Category

  • Antinematodal Agents

Dosage Forms

  • Paste
  • Powder
  • 100 mg chewable tablets

Brands / Synonyms

Bantenol; Besantin; Equivurm Plus; Lomper; MBDZ; Mebendazole (JAN/USP); Mebendazole(USAN); MEBENDAZOLE, 99%; Mebenoazole; Mebenvet; Mebex; Mebutar; Noverme; Ovitelmin; Pantelmin; Telmin; Vermex; Vermicidin; Vermirax; Vermox; Vermox (TN); Verpanyl

Indications

For the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (common roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale (common hookworm), Necator americanus (American hookworm) in single or mixed infections.

Pharmacology

Mebendazole is a (synthetic) broad-spectrum anthelmintic. The principal mode of action for albendazole is by its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.

Mechanism of Action

Mebendazole causes degenerative alterations in the tegument and intestinal cells of the worm by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules. The loss of the cytoplasmic microtubules leads to impaired uptake of glucose by the larval and adult stages of the susceptible parasites, and depletes their glycogen stores. Degenerative changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria of the germinal layer, and the subsequent release of lysosomes result in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminth. Due to diminished energy production, the parasite is immobilized and eventually dies.

Absorption

Poorly absorbed (approximately 5 to 10%) from gastrointestinal tract. Fatty food increases absorption.

Toxicity

Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 620 mg/kg [Mouse]. Symptoms of overdose include elevated liver enzymes, headaches, hair loss, low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), fever, and itching.

Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism

Primarily hepatic. Primary metabolite is 2-amino-5-benzoylbenzimidazole, but also metabolized to inactive hydroxy and hydroxyamino metabolites. All metabolites are devoid of anthelmintic activity.

Contraindications

VERMOX® (mebendazole) is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Drug Interactions

Preliminary evidence suggests that cimetidine inhibits mebendazole metabolism and may result in an increase in plasma concentrations of mebendazole.

-- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
 
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017