Chemicals / Complex Chemical Agents/ Chemical:

Mebendazole (with special reference to Hedgehogs, Elephants, Lagomorphs and Great Apes)

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

GENERAL CHEMICAL INFORMATION THERAPEUTIC INFORMATION [DOSE, FREQUENCY & ROUTE] NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
TOXICITY INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
Information in this page has been entered to support the current volumes of Wildpro and further information will be added as new volumes are completed. This page is not intended to substitute for the manufacturer's data sheet and the information is not yet complete for all species, or for all contra-indications etc.

CAUTION: Before any pharmaceutical product is used, the manufacturer's data sheet, containing information on uses, dosage and administration, contra-indications, warnings etc., should always be consulted. It is important to remember that licensing of pharmaceutical products for use in a particular species/condition, as well as mandatory meat and milk withdrawal times for food-producing animals, varies between countries and changes with time. Withdrawal times also may vary between different pharmaceutical formulations and depending on route of administration. In the EU, the prescription cascade must be followed (see LCofC1.2H and W564.Apr05.w1); note that specific restrictions apply for food-producing animals. In the USA, FARAD may be consulted regarding residues and meat and milk withdrawal times.

General Chemical Information

Summary 

Synthetic benzimidazole with a wide spectrum of anthelmintic activity and a low incidence of adverse effects. (B135.55.w55)

Return to Top of Page

Names and Formulae

Type Synthetic benzimidazole. (B135.55.w55)
Alternative Names
  • Methyl 5-benzoyl-2-benzimidazole-carbamate. (B270.47.w47)
  • "Methyl 5-benzoyl benzimidazole-2-carbamate; mebendazole; methyl 5-benzoyl-2-benzimidazolecarbamate; ovitelmin; pantelmin; r 17635; telmin; vermirax; vermox; 5-benzoyl-2-benzimidazolylcarbamic acid methyl ester; (5-benzoyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-carbamic methyl ester; Sqworm." (W324)
Chemical Formula C16H13N3O3 (W324)
Chemical Structure Centred around 1,2-diaminobenzene. (B270.47.w47)
Molecular Weight 295.297. (W324)
Related Chemicals Other benzimidazoles.

Return to Top of Page

Physical Properties / Chemistry

Appearance

White or off-white to slightly yellow amorphous powder. (W324, B270.47.w47) 

Melting point 288.5°C. (W324)
Boiling point --
Density --
Water solubility
  • Poorly soluble in water. (B270.47.w47)
Other solubility
  • Soluble in formic acid. (B270.47.w47)
Acid/Base --

Return to Top of Page

Pharmacology & General Information

Pharmacology
  • Inhibits microtubule synthesis in nematodes and thereby irreversibly impairs glucose uptake. (B135.55.w55) Affected parasites are immobilised or die slowly; complete clearance of nematodes from the gastro-intestinal tract may take several days after administration of the drug. (B135.55.w55)
  • Benzimidazoles bind to the ß-tubulin of nematodes, preventing its dimerization with a-tubulin and therefore the polymerization of tubulin oligomers into microtubules, essential structural units of most organelles, required for numerous cellular processes. At the normal body temperature of mammals benzimidazoles have a much higher affinity for nematode tubulin than for mammalian tubulin. (B270.47.w47)
Storage / Stability --
Legal Category (In UK) --

Return to Top of Page

References

Associated Techniques

--

ORGANISATIONS

--

ELECTRONIC LIBRARY
(Further Reading)
Click image for full contents list of ELECTRONIC LIBRARY

--
Authors Debra Bourne (V.w5); Gracia Vila-Garcia (V.w67)
Referees Suzanne I. Boardman (V.w6); Becki Lawson (V.w26); Susan Mikota (V.w72)

Return to Top of Page

Therapeutic Information

Uses/Indications

Activity
  • Active in horses against adult large strongyles, cyathostomes, mature Oxyuris equis, small pinworms (Probstmaryia vivipara) and Trichostrongylus axei. At higher doses (15-20 mg/kg/day for five days) active against Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (equine lungworms).(B270.47.w47)
  • Active in horses against most major gastro-intestinal tract nematodes and some lungworms although limited activity against Trichuris spp. whipworms and filarial parasites (Onchocerca spp. and Setaria spp.)
  • In pigs benzimidazoles are effective against parasites such as Hyostrongylus rubidus, Strongyloides ransomi,Oesophagostomum dentatum and Ascaris suum. (B270.47.w47)
  • In dogs and cats active against gastro-intestinal nematodes. (B270.47.w47); active against Taenia tapeworms and may be useful in dogs against adult Echinococcus granulosus. (B270.48.w48)
  • In birds against gastro-intestinal and respiratory tract parasites such as ascarids and capillarids. (B270.47.w47)
  • In various species (e.g. rabbits, pigs, mice) activity has been shown against larval stages of Taenia cysticerci and against Echinococcus larval stages. (B270.48.w48)
  • In mice, effective against the tetrathyridium (intermediate stage) of Mesocestoides corti. (B270.48.w48)
Appropriate Use
  • For horses, donkeys, sheep, dogs and cats for the treatment of gastro-intestinal roundworms. (B201.2.w2); in dogs for the treatment of adult hookworms, ascarids and whipworms. (B270.47.w47)
  • For donkeys and sheep: for the treatment of lungworm. (B201.2.w2)
  • In sheep: for the treatment of Echinococcus tapeworms. (B201.2.w2)
  • In dogs and cats: for the treatment of Taenia tapeworms. (B201.2.w2)
Limitations
  • Benzimidazoles generally have limited activity against Trichuris spp. whipworms of ruminants and against filarial parasites (Onchocerca spp. and Setaria spp.). (B270.47.w47)
  • Benzimidazoles are not effective against Dipylidium caninum in dogs and cats. (B270.48.w48)
Notes
  • Efficacy varies depending on gastro-intestinal transit time, intensity of infection and possibly with parasite strain. (B135.55.w55)
  • In humans, efficacy also depends on whether or not chewable tablets are chewed prior to swallowing. (B135.55.w55)

Return to Top of Page

Pharmacokinetics and Drug Interactions

Absorption /Bioavailability
  • Limited absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract following oral administration (probably related to poor water solubility). (B270.47.w47)
  • Peak plasma levels reached within two to seven hours after administration and generally do not exceed 1% of the orally administered dose. (B270.47.w47)
  • Bioavailability is affected by the presence or absence of food in the stomach at the time of oral administration. (B270.47.w47)
  • In ruminants plasma levels are increased and anthelmintic activity enhanced if the drug is retained in the rumen rather than passing directly (via closure of the abomasal groove) into the abomasum. (B270.47.w47)
Distribution --
Plasma Protein binding / Storage --
Elimination Route
  • Mainly excreted unchanged in faeces. (B270.47.w47)
  • 5-10% may be excreted in urine. (B270.47.w47)
  • A small percentage is excreted as the decarboxylated derivative. (B270.47.w47)
Elimination half-life / Clearance Rate
  • Mainly excreted within 24-48 hours in faeces. (B270.47.w47)
Drug Interactions
  • Plasma levels may be increased if used concommitently with cimetidine. (B135.55.w55)
  • Plasma levels and efficacy may be decreased if used concomitantly with carbamazepine. (B135.55.w55)

Return to Top of Page

Administration

Formulations available
  • Oral formulations. (B270.47.w47)

e.g. Telmin KH, Janssen. 

Doses / Administration Routes / Frequencies

Use of Drugs (Medication):

  • Before administration of any pharmaceutical product the manufacturer's datasheet must be consulted regarding operator safety, relevant withdrawal times etc.
  • Many drugs are not registered for use in particular species and additional care should be taken in their use, with proper regard for possible toxic effects. 
  • Consideration should be given to relevant legislation regarding the use of drugs.
  • In the UK, guidelines regarding the use of drugs are set out in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Guide to Professional Conduct 2000: (See: LCofC1 - RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct 2000 - Choice of Medicinal Products).

General comments:

  • Doses of benzimidazoles in zoo and game mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians "appear to be similar to those of their domesticated counterparts." (B270.47.w47)

Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog:

Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog:

  • 15 mg/kg oral; repeat after two weeks. For nematodes. (J204.59.w1)
  • 25 mg for individuals under 500 g bodyweight or 50 mg for individuals over 500 g bodyweight; oral every 12 hours for five days, repeat after 2-3 weeks. (J204.59.w1)

Elephants:

Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant:

For gastro-intestinal nematodes:

  • 6 - 7 mg/kg orally as a single dose. (J210.38.w1)

The following information is taken with permission directly from the Elephant Care International website (W580.Aug2005.w21):

Elephants:
a) 6-7 mg/kg po (Carreno et al., 2001).

b) 2.5 – 4.0 mg/kg orally as a single dose (Chandrasekharan, 2002), (Chandrasekharan, et al.,1995), (Chandrasekharan, 1992).

c) 3-4 mg/kg orally for strongylosis (Chandrasekharan et al., 1982).

Elephant References:
a) Carreno,R.A., Neimanis,A.S., Lindsjo,J., Thongnoppakun,P., Barta,J.R., and Peregrine,A.S. 2001. Parasites found in faeces of Indian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand following treatment with mebendazole, with observations on Pfenderius papillatus (Cobbold, 1882) Stiles and Goldberger, 1910 by scanning electron microscopy. Helminthologia 38:(2):75-79 Abstract: Three Indian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand were treated with mebendazole at a dose of 6-7 mg/kg body weight. Four days following treatment, faecal examinations were negative for nematode eggs in all elephants and negative for fluke eggs in two of the animals. However, adult parasites were recovered from faeces from each of the animals 36-72 hours after deworming. These included Murshidia falcifera, M. neveulemairei, a Quilonia species, and the amphistome Pfenderius papillatus, 1910. The finding of P. papillatus constitutes the first record of this species in Thailand. Specimens of P. papillatus were examined by scanning electron microscopy. In contrast to earlier descriptions of this species, no prominent papillae were found at the anterior end. Structures on the acetabulum that had previously been described as papillae were actually elevated pores that were spread over the acetabulum. These pores differ from all previous descriptions of P. papillatus and indicate a highly modified acetabulum in P. papillatus relative to other Pfenderius species.

b) Chandrasekharan,K. 2002. Specific diseases of Asian elephants. Journal of Indian Veterinary Association Kerala 7:(3):31-34

b) Chandrasekharan,K., Radhakrishnan,K., Cheeran,J.V., Nair,K.N.M., and Prabhakaran,T., 1995. Review of the Incidence, Etiology and Control of Common Diseases of Asian Elephants with Special Reference to Kerala. In: Daniel,J.C. (Editor), A Week with Elephants; Proceedings of the International Seminar on Asian Elephants. Bombay Natural History Society; Oxford University Press, Bombay, India pp. 439-449

b) Chandrasekharan,K., 1992. Prevalence of infectious diseases in elephants in Kerala and their treatment. In: Silas,E.G., Nair,M.K., and Nirmalan,G. (Editors), The Asian Elephant: Ecology, Biology, Diseases, Conservation and Management (Proceedings of the National Symposium on the Asian Elephant held at the Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur, India, January 1989). Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur, India pp. 148-155

c) Chandrasekharan,K., Cheeran,J.V., Nair,K.N.M., Ramanujam,K.N., and Radhakrishnan,K. 1982. Comparative efficacy of 6 anti-helminthics against strongylosis in elephants. Kerala Journal of Veterinary Science 13:15-20 Summary: Anthelmintic efficacy of six drugs was compared under field conditions against strongylosis in elephants. Mebendazole at 3 and 4 mg/kg, Levamisole 3 mg/kg and Morantel tartrate 5 mg/kg were proved to be 100% effective. Mebendazole at 2 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, Thiabendazole at 32 mg/kg. Bephenium hydroxynaphthoate at 25 mg/kg and Disophenol at 3 mg/kg were found to be effective only in 79.1 to 92.2 %, 88.1 to 100%, 84.6 to 95.3 %, 85.9 to 100% and 68.3 to 84 % cases respectively.

Bears (Ursidae - Bears (Family)):

Lagomorphs - Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus - Domestic rabbit:

  • 10 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for five days. (B546)
  • 10 mg/kg orally daily for five days. (B601.15.w15)
  • 1 g per kilogram of feed. (B601.15.w15)

Great Apes

Birds:

  • 50 mg/kg single oral dose. To eliminate ascarid and capillarid infections. (B270.47.w47)
  • 60 ppm in feed for seven days for chickens, turkeys, guineafowl. (B270.47.w47)
  • 120 ppm in feed for 14 days for pheasants, partridge, geese and ducks. (B270.47.w47)
Monitoring parameters
  • Efficacy.

Return to Top of Page

Withdrawal period / Withholding time

Notes Before the use of any pharmaceutical product in food-producing animals the label instructions for the product should be consulted regarding withdrawal requirements.

Return to Top of Page

Toxic Information

Toxic effects of Pharmaceutical Products

Contraindications / Precautions
  • In humans: Metabolism is very slow in individuals with severe hepatic parenchymal disease. Rats: single oral dose as low as 10mg/kg has been shown to have embryotoxic activity; use with caution in such individuals. (B135.55.w55)
  • In humans: contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. Rats: single oral dose as low as 10mg/kg has been shown to have embryotoxic activity. (B135.55.w55)
  • In humans: caution recommended with use in children under one year of age: limited experience of use in this age group, also rare reports of convulsions. (B135.55.w55)
  • In donkeys: not recommended for treatment of Dictyocaulus during the first four months of pregnancy. (B201.2.w2)
  • In pigeons and parrots: use in pigeons and parrots is not recommended by the manufacturer. (B201.2.w2)
Adverse Effects / Side Effects / Warnings
  • In humans: infrequent reports of mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain following use against intestinal nematodes.
  • In humans: rarely slight headache, dizziness and hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria) reported. (B135.55.w55)
  • Benzimidazoles in general are free of side effects even if given to animals which are young, sick or debilitated. (B270.47.w47)
  • Occasionally mild diarrhoea. (B201.2.w2)
Operator Warnings Before the use of any pharmaceutical product the label instructions for the product should be consulted regarding operator safety/warnings.
Overdose / Acute Toxicity
  • Benzimidazoles are generally extremely well tolerated. (B270.47.w47)
  • In horses no ill effects from 40 times the therapeutic dose (single dose) or as six-times the therapeutic dose daily for 15 days. (B270.47.w47)

Return to Top of Page

Detailed Toxicological Information

Classification --
Acute Toxicity
  • LD50 640 mg/kg (dogs, cats, guinea pigs). (B270.47.w47)
  • LD50 in mice 3.56 g/kg if given in standard-sized particles (10-20 µum); 0.62 g/kg if given in 3-5 µm particles. (B270.47.w47)
  •  
Chronic Toxicity --
Reproductive effects
  • Rats: single oral dose as low as 10mg/kg has been shown to have embryotoxic activity. (B135.55.w55)
Teratogenic effects
  • Rats: single oral dose as low as 10mg/kg has been shown to have teratogenic activity. (B135.55.w55)
  • No known teratogenic effects. (B270.47.w47)
Mutagenic effects --
Carcinogenic effects --
Organ toxicity --
Bird Toxicity --
Aquatic organism activity --
Other organism toxicity --

Return to Top of Page

Nutrient Information

Nutritional Data

Sources --
Biological Use --
Recommended Daily Allowance / Recommended level in food --
Stability in food (Storage time) --
Interactions --

Return to Top of Page

External / Environmental Information

External / Environmental Uses

Use --
Formulation --
Application method --
Application Concentration --
Persistence of Effect / Frequency of Application --

Return to Top of Page

Effects on the Environment

Effects in the aquatic environment --
Effects on land --

Return to Top of Page

Persistence in the Environment

Breakdown in soil and groundwater --
Breakdown in water --
Breakdown in vegetation --

Return to Top of Page