Clinical trials with mebendazole a new broad spectrum anthelmintic

This paper presents our experience with mebendazole, a new broad-spectrum anthelmintic, in 91 cases with ascariasis, 71 cases with necatoriasis 54 cases with trichuriasis and 10 cases with T. saginata infection. Various dosage schedules were evaluated. In ascariasis, a single dose of 200 mg was effective in totally clearing the infection in 100 per cent cases. In necatoriasis 200 mg twice daily for four days was found to be the most effective dose. With this dose total eradication of the infection was seen in 92 per cent cases. In trichuriasis, 200 mg twice daily for four days totally eradicated the infection in 90 per cent cases. In T. saginata infection, the drug was totally ineffective. The anthelminitic activity of the drug was demonstrated by the recovery of roundworms, hookworms and whipworms from the stools. The drug was well tolerated. No side effects or toxic effects were seen in any of the cases.