Mebenzadole

Mebendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic used in both human and veterinary medicine. Mebendazloe is also used in combination products additionally containing either metrifonate, closantel or minerals (selenium, cobalt). It is chemically related to flubendazole and fenbendazole. It is a benzimidazole derivative, and is a useful broad spectrum anthelmintic, the drug of choice for mixed worm infestations. One source suggested that water soluble ivermectin might overtake mebendazole as the drug of choice for mixed worm infestations.

Action

Mebendazole binds to tubulin and interferes with microtubule formation, thus disrupting cell formation.

According to the Purdue Research Foundation at the University of Purdue, mebendazole and fenbendazole "cause the microtubular system of affected ascarids to disappear with no apparent effect on those of the host. Because of this difference, it has been possible to develop dosage regimens with large safety margins."

Effective Against

According to the Purdue Research Foundation, mebendazole is effective against nematodes, cestodes and protozoans.

Hexamitids (Hexamita spp. and Spironucleus spp.) In a study conducted by Somboon Sangmaneedet (Spironucleus Vortens of the Freshwater Angelfish Pterophyllum Scalare: Growth Requirements, Chemotherapeutants, Pathogenesis and Immunity at http://vetmed.lib.vt.edu/T_D/abstracts/ sangmaneedet_somboon.pdf) "Mebendazole was the most effective agent of the benzimidazole group; and inhibited the parasite’s growth at concentrations of 0.5 µg ml-1 or higher."

Mebenzadole is also used against flukes (gyrodactylus and dactylogyrus). Praziquantel may be more effective than mebenzadole against more species of flukes and tapeworms.

Treatment Regime (Fluke-Tabs) See the library entry for Fluke-Tabs.

Where to Get

Vermox is the human formulation, consisting of chewable tablets in 100mg doses.

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Fluke-Tabs are available in the U.S. and on the Internet.