Benzimidazoles

Benzimidazoles treat parasitic nematode infections and work by inhibiting microtubule formation in the parasites as well as inhibiting glucose uptake.  Thiabendazole is rarely used due to side effects. Albendazole is used in the treatment of cestode infections including neurocysticercosis. Adverse effects of albendazole include pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and neurologic effects during treatment of neurocysticercosis. Mebendazole is used in the treatment of nematodes.

Class Drugs

• Mebendazole

• Thiabendazole

• Albendazole

Class Mechanism of Action

Inhibits microtubule formation

Inhibits glucose uptake

Class Applications

Nematode infections

Class Adverse Effects

See individual drugs

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Mebendazole	Nematodes; Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis); Hookworms (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale); Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides); Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura)	Abdominal Pain; Diarrhea; Elevated liver enzymes	"Me" "Bend" "Asshole"
Thiabendazole	Treatment of creeping eruption (cutaneous larva migrans)	Limited due to side effects; Liver disease; Hair loss; Photosensitivity; Dizziness	"Thai Food" "Bend" "Asshole"
Albendazole	Nematodes; Cestode infections; Cysticercosis (Human feces) including neurocysticercosis; Echinococcosis (Hydatid disease) (Dog feces)	Adverse Effects; Agranulocytosis; Pancytopenia; CNS effects during treatment of neurocysticercosis	"Albino" "Bend" "Asshole"