Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
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.
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