Products
Flubendazole is commercially available as a paste, drug premix, and chewable tablets for animals. It has been approved in many countries since 1984. Human drugs are not currently registered.
Structure and properties
Flubendazole (C16H12FN3O3, Mr = 313.3 g/mol) is a fluorinated benzimidazole derivative. It is a white powder that is practically insoluble in water and poorly absorbed in the digestive tract. Flubendazole is identical to mebendazole (Vermox) except for the fluorine substituent.
Effects
Flubendazole (ATCvet QP52AC12) is selectively antihelminthic with a broad spectrum of activity. It is effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and certain tapeworms and can be used to “deworm” kittens and puppies. The effects are based on the inhibition of the structure of the microtubules in the intestinal cells or the tegument cells in tapeworms. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients and the worms die.
Indications
For treatment of worm infestation in swine, poultry, dogs, and cats. Flubendazole used in humans, for example, against pinworm infestations, but is not approved for this purpose.
Contraindications
Flubendazole is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
There are no known drug-drug interactions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
