Mebendazole
Mebendazole treats susceptible intestinal nematodes and selected cestodes in dogs and horses.
Group
Benzimidazole anthelmintic
Mechanism of Action
Disrupts parasite microtubules and glucose uptake, depleting energy stores.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal worms | 22 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 3 days; Give with food; course may be repeated after 3 weeks. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal worms | 8.8 mg/kg | PO | Once |
Indications
- Susceptible canine intestinal worms
- Equine strongyles, ascarids and pinworms
Contraindications
- Use cautiously if hepatic injury is suspected.
Interactions
- No specific veterinary interaction is established in the supplied material.
Adverse effects
- Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
- Possible idiosyncratic hepatic injury in dogs
Toxicity
Assess gastrointestinal and hepatic signs after excess exposure.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mebendazole 100 mg tablet | Tablet | 100 mg / tablet | PO |
| Mebendazole 40 mg/g powder | Powder | 40 mg / g | PO |
| Mebendazole 166.7 mg/g powder | Powder | 166.7 mg / g | PO |
| Mebendazole 200 mg/g paste | Paste | 200 mg / g | PO |
| Mebendazole 33.3 mg/mL oral suspension | Oral Liquid | 33.3 mg / mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Can be mixed with food. Equine powder may be given on grain or by a correctly prepared stomach-tube suspension.
Do not treat mebendazole-trichlorfon combinations as mebendazole-alone dosing.
Equine combination powders contain either mebendazole 83.3 mg/g plus trichlorfon 375 mg/g, or mebendazole 100 mg/g plus trichlorfon 454 mg/g. They require combination-specific assessment and must not be used as mebendazole-alone preparations.