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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ANTHELMINTICS › ANTINEMATODAL AGENTS › Benzimidazole derivatives
mebendazole, combinations
P02CA51
Forms & Strengths
- Chewable tablets: mebendazole 100 mg / combination agents
Adult Dosing
- Enterobiasis (pinworm): 100 mg single dose, may repeat after 2 weeks
- Ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm: 100 mg twice daily for 3 consecutive days or 500 mg single dose
Pediatric Dosing
- Children >= 1 year: Same as adult dosing for indicated helminthic infections
- Safety and efficacy not established in children < 1 year
Indications
- Treatment of gastrointestinal infections caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
- Treatment of Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
- Treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
- Treatment of Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm)
Mechanism of Action
- Selectively binds to nematode beta-tubulin, inhibiting microtubule polymerization
- Causes depletion of glucose stores and disrupts cellular function in susceptible helminths, leading to immobilization and death
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to mebendazole or any component of the formulation
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
Adverse Reactions
- Transient abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions, neutropenia, elevated liver enzymes
Drug Interactions
- Carbamazepine: May decrease plasma concentrations of mebendazole via induction of CYP3A4
- Cimetidine: May inhibit hepatic metabolism of mebendazole, increasing plasma concentrations
- Metronidazole: Concomitant use may increase risk of serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use