mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm)

Introduction

Tradename: Vermox.

Discontinued 2012 for financial reasons.

use albendazole (Albenza) or pyrantel pamoate instead

Indications

• treatment of pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, tapeworms
  • Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis
  • trichinosis
  • trichuriasis
  • gnathostomiasis

Dosage

• Pinworm: 100 mg PO single dose.
• Roundworm, whipworm, hookworm: 100 mg PO BID for 3 days

Tabs: 100 mg.

Pharmacokinetics

• Drug stays largely intraluminal; not systemically absorbed

elimination via liver

Adverse effects

• infrequent (1-10%)
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea
  • nausea/vomiting
• uncommon (< 1%)
  • fever, skin rash, itching, alopecia with high doses, neutropenia (sore throat, fatigue), dizziness, headache

More general terms

• benzimidazole
• antihelmintic

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=4030