Drug reference

Thiabendazole

Anthelmintic

Also known as tiabendazole, Mintezol

Anthelmintic

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

2 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Embryotoxic in animal studies, avoid if

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 3 →

RasagilineSevereDatabaseDDInter
TizanidineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Thiabendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic that inhibits the helminth-specific fumarate reductase enzyme, disrupting anaerobic energy metabolism in the parasite. It also interferes with microtubule assembly by binding to parasite β-tubulin, though with less potency than newer benzimidazoles (albendazole, mebendazole). Additionally, it has ovicidal activity — killing helminth eggs — a property not shared by all anthelmintics. Its use has declined in favor of better-tolerated agents due to frequent GI and CNS side effects.

Indications

Cutaneous larva migrans (topical) (off-label)Cutaneous larva migrans (oral) (off-label)RoundwormHookwormPin wormTrichurisStrongyloidesTrichinella spiralisCutaneous larva migrans (symptomatic relief)Guinea worm disease (symptomatic relief)

Dosing

Adult: (thiabendazole) by mouth [all unlicensed] (available from ‘special-order’ manufacturers or specialist importing companies). Strongyloidiasis Adult Strongyloides stercoralis live in the gut and produce larvae which penetrate the gut wall and invade the tissues, setting up a cycle of auto-infection.…

Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability

Well absorbed from g.i.t.

Metabolism

extensively metabolized in the liver

Excretion

most excreted within the first 24 h

Side effects

Common

NauseaVomitingAbdominal painDiarrhoeaGiddinessImpairment of alertnessItchinganorexiadiarrheaheadachedizzinessasparagus-like urine odordrowsinesscrystalluriaelevated aminotransferasespsychosis

Serious