Strongyloides stercoralis in chronic renal failure: safe therapy with thiabendazole

The pharmacodynamics of thiabendazole (TBZ) and its metabolite, 5OH-thiabendazole (5OH-TBZ), were studied in an anephric patient with Strongyloides stercoralis pneumonitis. No toxic manifestations were noted in the patient, and serum TBZ and 5OH-TBZ levels were comparable to those in eunephric patients. We conclude that thiabendazole, in the usual recommended dose of 25 mg/kg twice daily, given to patients with compromised renal function is reasonable and safe.