Abstract

The broad-spectrum of activity and safety of mebendazole remain, after 5 years of clinical
experience, unique features of this anthelmintic. Through microtubular destruction,
mebendazole kills helminths by inhibiting glucose uptake into susceptible parasites. The
drug's poor absorption does not appear to affect clinical efficacy except, perhaps, in the
treatment of systemic helminth infections. Mebendazole is generally considered the drug
of choice for trichuriasis and has therapeutic advantages over other anthelmintics in the
treatment of enterobiasis and hookworm infections. Although mebendazole is an
effective agent against ascariasis, there are preferable alternatives. Among its
nonapproved uses, mebendazole shows great promise in the treatment of capillariasis
and hydatid disease. Further investigation is needed to establish its role in the treatment
of taeniasis, Hymenolepsis nana, strongyloidiasis, trichinosis, and Dipetalonema perstans.
Undoubtedly, mebendazole will find its greatest value in the treatment of patients with
multiple helminth infections.

PIP: This paper focuses on recent developments in the areas of mode of action and clinical
efficacy of mebendazole use since its introduction in 1974. Mebendazole blocks glucose
uptake by adult intestinal-dwelling nematodes and cestodes and their tissue-dwelling
larvae. The drug's poor absorption does not appear to affect clinical efficacy except in the
treatment of systemic helminth infections. Mebendazole has been found to be ovicidal
for the eggs of roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm with the disadvantages of cost
and long duration of therapy; it is also considered the best drug for the treatment of
trichuriasis. Among its nonapproved uses, it shows promise in the treatment of
capillariasis and hydatid disease. Further investigation is needed to establish its role in the
treatment of taeniasis, Hymenolepsis nana, Strongyloidiasis, Trichinosis, and
Dipetalonema perstans. Side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and
dizziness have been reported on rare occasions.