Mebendazol Cf (Mebendazole)

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic that targets intestinal helminths, providing therapeutic benefit in several common parasitic infections.

• Ascariasis: eliminates adult Ascaris lumbricoides worms, reducing intestinal load and associated symptoms.
• Hookworm infection: eradicates hookworm species, alleviating anemia and gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Trichuriasis: clears Trichuris trichiura infestation, improving bowel function.
• Pinworm infection: removes Enterobius vermicularis, preventing reinfestation and itching.

• Mebendazole binds selectively to parasite β‑tubulin, disrupting microtubule polymerisation. This inhibition impairs glucose uptake and other essential metabolic processes, leading to depletion of energy stores and eventual death of the helminth.

Adverse reactions may occur with oral mebendazole therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Abdominal pain: mild to moderate discomfort in the stomach region.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness that may precede vomiting.
• Vomiting: expulsion of stomach contents, usually transient.
• Headache: mild to moderate head pain.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness or unsteadiness.
• Mild rash: skin redness or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions: including anaphylaxis, characterized by swelling, breathing difficulty, and rash.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Neutropenia: marked reduction in white blood cells, increasing infection risk.
• Severe skin reactions: such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Dose adjustment: required in patients with hepatic impairment to avoid accumulation.
• Renal function: monitor closely in severe renal disease, as excretion may be affected.
• Pregnancy: use only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for possible pharmacokinetic effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Mebendazole may interact with other medicines; awareness of the interaction level helps guide monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Cimetidine: may increase systemic exposure to mebendazole, raising toxicity risk.
• Antifungal azoles (e.g., ketoconazole): can elevate plasma levels, potentially leading to adverse effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Carbamazepine: may reduce mebendazole efficacy by inducing metabolism.
• Warfarin: mebendazole may enhance anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.
• Oral contraceptives: may experience reduced effectiveness, suggesting additional contraceptive measures.