API

Mebendazole (100mg)

Drug classification

Anthelmintics (benzimidazole anthelmintic)

Dosage form

Tablet

API strength per dosage

Dose

For adults and children ≥2 years: 100 mg orally twice daily for 3 days for most helminth infections. For children <2 years: use only if clearly indicated; safety data limited. Not recommended in pregnancy, especially first trimester. Dose adjustment not required in renal or hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of action

Binds selectively to β-tubulin in parasitic cells, inhibiting microtubule polymerization, disrupting glucose uptake and depleting glycogen stores, leading to impaired energy production and parasite death. No significant affinity for mammalian β-tubulin at therapeutic concentrations.

Indications

Treatment of Parasitic Worm infections

Side effects

Vomiting Nausea Dizziness Headache Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Hair loss Bleeding Fever Sore throat

Pregnancy category

Mebendazole use in pregnancy is generally not recommended, especially during the first trimester, unless potential benefits outweigh risks; consult a healthcare provider.

Precautions

Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to mebendazole, use caution in hepatic impairment, avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed, monitor for signs of bone marrow suppression with prolonged use, assess for neurotoxicity in high-dose therapy, monitor liver function with extended treatment, ensure complete eradication of infection.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to mebendazole or any component of the formulation, pregnancy (especially first trimester), known or suspected hepatic impairment, caution in children under 2 years.