thiabendazole

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

thiabendazole works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of fungi. It interferes with the synthesis of the fungal cell wall and disrupting the fungal cell membrane. This disrupts the fungal cell’s structural integrity and leads to its death.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Upset stomach 

Fever or chills 

Ringing in the ears 

Diarrhea 

Dizziness 

Vomiting 

Loss of appetite 

Numbness 

Unusual urine odor 

Drowsiness 

Headache 

Blurred vision or dryness of the eyes 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• thiabendazole should not be used by individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.  

Caution: 

• thiabendazole should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  
• Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should take caution while using thiabendazole.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

thiabendazole disrupts the formation of microtubules in fungal cells, interfering with their structural integrity and functions. This disruption leads to inhibition of fungal growth and reproduction. The drug can also disrupt the integrity of fungal cell membranes, further contributing to cell death. 

Pharmacodynamics 

thiabendazole interferes with the energy metabolism of parasitic worms, including the inhibition of certain enzymatic reactions crucial for their survival.  

This metabolic disruption immobilizes the worms and makes it easier for the host’s immune system to eliminate them. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

thiabendazole is absorbed relatively slow after oral intake.   

Distribution 

thiabendazole is distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

thiabendazole is metabolized in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

thiabendazole is primarily excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

thiabendazole is available in the form of tablet for oral intake.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: thiabendazole 

Why do we use thiabendazole? 

Mintezol (thiabendazole) is used to treat infections caused by worms such as threadworm and parasitic worm infections.  

thiabendazole is also used to treat pinworm hookworm, roundworm, and trichinosis.