| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A benzimidazole that acts by interfering with carbohydrate metabolism and inhibiting polymerization of microtubules. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
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 Mebendazole is by its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules. |
| 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. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Helminthic Microorganisms |
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| Biotransformation |
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. |
| Absorption |
Poorly absorbed (approximately 5 to 10%) from gastrointestinal tract. Fatty food increases absorption. |
| Half Life |
2.5 to 5.5 hours (range 2.5 to 9 hours) in patients with normal hepatic function. Approximately 35 hours in patients with impaired hepatic function (cholestasis). |
| Protein Binding |
90-95% |
| Elimination |
In man, approximately 2% of administered mebendazole is excreted in urine and the remainder in the feces as unchanged drug or a primary metabolite. |
| References |
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| External Links |
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