by Cindy A. Escoba &

Edilyn Mae S. Nipaya

What is mebendazole?

• Mebendazole is a synthetic benzimidazole compound that is effective against a wide spectrum of nematodes.

• It is a drug of choice in the treatment of infections by whipworm, pinworm, hookworms, and roundworm.

• Example Vermox, Antiox

Mebendazole is methyl 5-benzoylbenzimidazole-2-carbamate.

Mebendazole is a white to slightly yellow powder with a molecular weight of 295.29.

It is less than 0.05% soluble in water, dilute mineral acid solutions, alcohol, ether and chloroform, but is soluble in formic acid.

Composition

Mebendazoles are available in chewable tablets, each containing 100 mg of mebendazole.

Inactive ingredients are:

• colloidal silicon dioxide

• hydrogenated vegetable oil

• magnesium stearate

• microcrystalline cellulose,

• sodium lauryl sulfate

• sodium saccharin

• sodium starch glycolate

• Talc

• tetrarome orange

• FD&C yellow No. 6.

Mebendazole inhibits the formation of the worms' microtubules and causes the

worms' glucose depletion.

Selectively and irreversibly inhibits uptake of glucose and other nutrients by susceptible

helminthes.

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION

Oral Unknown 2-4 hr Variable

II. MECHANISM OF ACTION

III. Indication/s and Dosages

Pinworm

• - Adults and children older than age 2:

• - 100 mg P.O. (per os: orally) as a single dose; repeat if infestation persists 2-3 weeks later.

Roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm

• - Adults and children older than age 2:

• - 100 mg P.O. b.i.d. (bis in die: twice daily) for 3 days; repeat if infestation persists 3 weeks later.

Trichinosis

• - Adults

• - 200 to 400 mg P.O. t.i.d. (ter in die: three times a day) for 3 days; then 400 to 500 mg t.i.d. for 10 days.

III. Indication/s and Dosages

Capillariasis

• - Adults and children

• - 200 mg P.O. b.i.d. (bis in die: twice daily) for 20 days.

Dracunculiasis

• - Adults

• - 400 to 800 mg P.O. daily for 6 days.

Contraindicated in patients

hypersensitive to drug.

Safe use in children

younger than age 2 hasn’t

been established.

Contraindicated in pregnant

women because it has been shown to be embryotoxic

Teratogenic in experimental

animals.

Should be used with caution in patients with

cirrhosis

IV. Contraindications and Caution

v. Adverse effects

CNS: seizures, fever, mild nausea, vomiting, agranulocytosis

GIT: transient abdominal pain and diarrhea in massive infestation and during expulsion of worms and elevation of liver enzymes.

Skin: Rare side effects, usually with high-dose therapy, are hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria) and alopecia

VI. Responsibilities

Arrange for second course of treatment if patient is not cured 3 weeks after treatment.

Treat all family members for pinworm infestation.

Disinfect toilet facilities after patient use. (pinworm)

Arrange for daily laundry of bed linens, towels, night clothes, and undergarments. (pinworm)

Give via side drip

vi. responsibilities

VI. Responsibilities

Assess for pregnancy, lactation and allergy to mebendazole.

Assess for temperature, bowel sounds and output.

Culture for ova and parasites.

Administer drug with food; tablets may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed and missed with food.

vi. responsibilities