Flubendazole is an anthelmintic. Its brand name is Flutelmium which is a paste manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. used by veterinarians for protection against internal parasites and treat worm infection in humans.
Mechanism of Action of Flubendazole
The molecular mode of action of all benzimidazoles, including flubendazole, consists in binding to tubulin, a structural protein of microtubules. Flubendazole is a benzimidazole compound that is used as an antiparasitic and anti-cancer agent. It has been shown to be an effective anthelminthic chemical by inhibiting tubulin synthesis and disrupting cytoskeleton formation. Flubendazole has also been shown in vivo to be a strong anti-cancer compound by the same mechanism and is potent toward vinblastine resistant cell lines. These microtubules are important organelles involved in the motility, the division and the secretion processes of cells in all living organisms. In the worms, the blocking of microtubules perturbs the uptake of glucose, which eventually empties the glycogen reserves. This blocks the whole energy management mechanism of the worms that are paralyzed and die or are expelled.
Since cell division is also disturbed, worm egg production and development is also blocked by benzimidazoles, i.e. most of them also have an ovicidal effect.
Indications of Flubendazole
- Worm infections
- Helminth infections
- Hookworm infection
- Pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis)
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Capillariasis
- Cysticercus cellulose
- Echinococcus
- Enterocolitis
- Filariasis, elephantiasis
- Giardiasis
- Gnathostomiasis
Contra-Indications of Flubendazole
- Pregnancy
- Reduction in the body’s resistance to infection
- Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure
- Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell
- Liver Problems
- Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Dosages of Flubendazole
- Adult: PO Enterobiasis 100 mg as a single dose. Repeat 2-3 wk later if needed. Ascariasis; Hookworm infections; Trichuriasis 100 mg twice daily for 3 days.
Enterobiasis
- Adult: 100 mg as a single dose. Repeat after 2-3 wk as required.
- Child: Same as adult dose.
- Adult: 100 mg bid for 3 days.
- Child: Same as adult dose.
Side Effects of Flubendazole
- Helminth infections
- GI disturbances;
- a headache,
- dizziness;
- allergic reactions;
- raised liver enzyme values;
- alopecia;
- bone marrow suppression.
Interactions of Flubendazole
This is not a complete list of Flubendazoledrug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. But in some cases enzyme inducers eg phenytoin or carbamazepine; and inhibitors eg cimetidine.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There is no data available
References
