Vermox (Mebendazole)
Mebendazole
Vermox®
Classification:
Antiinfective Agents
Description: Mebendazole is an oral, broad-spectrum, synthetic anthelmintic agent that is structurally similar to thiabendazole. Mebendazole is particularly effective against susceptible GI nematodes, such as whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms, and, along with pyrantel pamoate, is considered the drug of choice in treating infections caused by these nematodes. Mebendazole was FDA-approved in 1974.
Mechanism of Action: Mebendazole selectively damages cytoplasmic microtubules in the absorptive and intestinal cells of nematodes but not of the host. This microtubular deterioration is irreversible and leads to disruption of absorptive and secretory functions of the cells, which are essential to the worm’s survival. This disruption results in accumulation of secretory substances in Golgi apparatus, decreased glucose uptake, and depleted endogenous glycogen stores. The excess secretory substances present in the Golgi apparatus are hydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes, which are released intracellularly, produce autolysis of the cell, and subsequently, cause the death of the worm. These effects do not occur in the host cells.
Mebendazole is effective in eradicating infections caused by the following human pathogenic intestinal parasites: Trichinella spiralis (pork worm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm), Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), and Necator americanus (hookworm). The drug also has some activity against certain cestodes (tapeworms) including Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), T. solium (pork tapeworm), and Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid cyst). Clinicians should be aware that efficacy can be affected by such factors as preexisting diarrhea and gastrointestinal transit time, the degree of infection, and the strain of the particular helminth.
Mebendazole Chewable Tablets(Tab Chew 100 mg )
Pharmacokinetics: Mebendazole is taken orally and has a poor systemic bioavailability due to minimal absorption and significant first-pass metabolism. Peak plasma levels occur at 0.5 - 7 hours post-dose and vary greatly among patients. Mebendazole is extensively bound to plasma proteins, and it is not known if it passes into breast milk. The drug is metabolized by decarboxylation to an inactive metabolite. It has a half-life of 2.8 - 9 hours. Roughly 2 - 10% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine 24 - 48 hours following administration. The remainder is excreted in the feces. The excretion rate of the unabsorbed fraction of an oral mebendazole dose is unknown.
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[ Revised 2/25/2005 2:11:00 PM ]
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