Mebendazole

"MBZ" redirects here. For the automobile brand abbreviated as "MBZ", see Mercedes-Benz.

Mebendazole

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Systematic (IUPAC) name
methyl (5-benzoyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamate
Clinical data
Pregnancy category	C
Routes of administration	Oral
Pharmacokinetic data
Metabolism	Hepatic
Biological half-life	2.5 to 5.5 hours
Identifiers
CAS Number	31431-39-7
ATC code	P02CA01 (WHO) QP52AC09
PubChem	CID 4030
DrugBank	APRD01086
ChemSpider	3890
Chemical data
Formula	C16H13N3O3
Molar mass	295.293 g/mol[[]]
Physical data
Melting point	288.5 °C (551.3 °F)
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Mebendazole or MBZ is a benzimidazole drug developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica and marketed as Vermox, Ovex, Antiox, and Pripsen. It is used to treat infestations by worms including pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

Mechanism

Mebendazole is thought to kill worms by selectively inhibiting the synthesis of microtubules, impairing the parasite's ability to utilise glucose.

Dosage

Oral dosage for treatment of pinworms is 100 mg per dose, with one dose taken every two weeks. This regimen is repeated two weeks later if the infection has not cleared up. The dosage may differ depending on which type of worm someone is infected with. Some available products deliver 500 mg in a single dose, effectively eliminating the intestinal worms. Dosage on the packaging of some products suggests that 100 mg is a suitable single dose tablet. However using this minimal dose may be ineffective.

Drug interactions

Carbamazepine and phenytoin lower serum levels of mebendazole. Cimetidine raises serum mebendazole levels, increasing its effectiveness.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis) when mebendazole is combined with high doses of metronidazole.

See also

• Metronidazole

External links

• Vermox (UK manufacturer's website)

cs:Mebendazol sv:Mebendazol