Mebendazole, also known as methylbenzidazole, is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug.
Basic Information
Chemical Name: Mebendazole
Chemical Formula: C16H13N3O3
Molecular Weight: 295.293
CAS Registry Number: 31431-39-7
Pharmacological Action
Mebendazole possesses a remarkable effect in killing larvae and inhibiting the development of parasite eggs. Its pharmacological mechanism primarily involves direct inhibition of glucose uptake by nematodes, leading to glycogen depletion and subsequent ATP (adenosine triphosphate) reduction in the worms. This process does not affect blood glucose levels in humans. Ultrastructural observations reveal that mebendazole causes microtubule degeneration in the plasmalemma and intestinal cells of the worms, along with accumulation of secretory granules in the Golgi apparatus, resulting in transport blockage, cytoplasmic dissolution, absorption, and eventual total cellular degeneration and death of the worms.
Indications
Mebendazole is indicated for the treatment of various intestinal parasitic diseases, including enterobiasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis, ancylostomiasis, strongyloidiasis, dipylidiasis, echinococcosis, and trichinosis.
