Mebendazole in parasitic infections other than those caused by soil-transmitted helminths.

Author(s): Canete R, Escobedo AA, Almirall P, Gonzalez ME, Brito K, Cimerman S

Affiliation(s): Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, Matanzas City, Cuba.

Publication date & source: 2009-05, Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg., 103(5):437-42. Epub 2009 Feb 4.

Publication type: Review

Mebendazole, a benzimidazole carbamate compound, is currently in use for human medical practice against soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and enterobiasis. However, it has been demonstrated that its spectrum of activity is broad and goes beyond those infections. Several studies provide evidence that this drug, taken at higher doses than used for STH and enterobiasis, could be sufficiently effective on some protozoa, nematodes and cestodes.