MEBENTEL 500 contains mebendazole, a benzimidazole derivative with anthelmintic activity. The medicine acts directly on susceptible helminths by interfering with cellular tubulin formation. This causes degenerative changes in the parasite's intestinal cells, disrupts glucose uptake and digestive processes, inhibits reproduction, and ultimately leads to immobilization and death of the helminth. (DailyMed)
The medicine may be used for:
Mebendazole 500 mg has been extensively studied in the treatment and prevention of soil-transmitted helminth infections. The World Health Organization recommends mebendazole 500 mg as one of the medicines used for preventive chemotherapy against soil-transmitted helminth infections, including ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm infections. (World Health Organization)
A review of 29 studies evaluating single-dose mebendazole 500 mg reported an average cure rate of 92.6% for Ascaris lumbricoides. Efficacy was considerably lower and more variable for Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections. This distinction is clinically important because mebendazole has particularly strong activity against Ascaris, while other helminth infections may require a different treatment regimen. (PubMed)
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study involving 295 children aged 1–15 years, single-dose mebendazole 500 mg produced significantly higher cure rates for Ascaris lumbricoides than placebo: 83.7% versus 11.1%. For Trichuris trichiura, the cure rate was 33.9% versus 7.6%. Egg reduction rates were also significantly higher with mebendazole. (PubMed)
Large-scale studies involving schoolchildren also support strong activity against Ascaris. In a study involving 5,830 children from six countries, the fecal egg count reduction rate for Ascaris was 97.6%; corresponding rates were 79.6% for hookworm and 63.1% for Trichuris. (PubMed)
Research also demonstrates that single-dose mebendazole may have limited efficacy against hookworm and Trichuris infections. For example, a randomized trial in children found that a multiple-dose regimen was substantially more effective than a single 500 mg dose for hookworm infection. Therefore, the appropriate regimen depends on the specific parasite and clinical circumstances. (PubMed)
MEBENTEL 500 is used to treat intestinal helminth infections caused by susceptible nematodes.
Main indications include:
Mebendazole interferes with tubulin formation in helminth cells, preventing normal glucose uptake and energy metabolism. This disrupts the parasite's digestive and reproductive functions and ultimately causes immobilization and death.
MEBENTEL 500 is taken orally. The treatment regimen depends on the specific helminth infection, severity, patient age, and applicable national treatment recommendations. A single 500 mg dose is used for certain soil-transmitted helminth infections, while some infections may require repeated or multi-day treatment. The tablet should be taken according to the physician's instructions or the official prescribing information for the specific product. The dose or treatment duration should not be increased or repeated without medical advice.
Side Effects
