Tiabendazole - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Tiabendazole is a drug used to treat infections caused by worms. This drug is available in tablet and suspension formnsi. Tiabendazole is not used to prevent helminth infections.

This drug works by inhibiting the action of the fumarate reductase enzyme which is needed by worms to grow and develop, and inhibits the production and growth of worm eggs.

Tiabendazole can be used to treat diseases caused by helminth infections, such as: strongyloidiasis, migratory larva cutaneus, ascariasis, dpoisonculiasis, toxocariasis or trichuriasis. Tiabendazole is not used to treat mixed helminth infections.

tiabendazole trademark: -

What is Tiabendazole?

groupAnthelmintic
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitTreating worm infections
Used byMature
Tiabendazole for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether tiabendazole is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formTablets and suspension

 Precautions Before Taking Tiabendazole:

  • Do not take or use tiabendazole if you have a history of allergy to this drug.
  • Do not use tiabendazole as an anti-worm medicine or to treat mixed helminth infections.
  • Do not perform activities that require high concentration, such as driving or operating machinery, after taking tiabendazole. This medicine may cause dizziness and light-headedness.
  • Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems, anemia, or malnutrition.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy before using tiabendazole.
  • Routine liver function tests may be performed while you are taking tiabendazole. Make sure to follow the examination schedule given by the doctor.
  • If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after using tiabendazole, see a doctor immediately.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Tiabendazole

Tiabendazole is not used as a medicine to prevent helminth infections. The dose of tiabendazole depends on the type of disease caused by worm infection that the patient suffers from. The following details the dosage of tiabendazole based on the type of disease:

  • Strongyloidiasis

    Dosage: 25 mg/kgBW, 2 times a day, for 2 days; or 50 mg/kg in a single dose. If the infection has spread, this drug can be used for up to 5 days. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.

  • Cutaneous larvae migratory

    Dosage: 25 mg/kg, 2 times a day, for 2 days, the dose can be repeated after 2 days. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.

  • Ascariasis and trichuriasis

    Dosage: 25 mg/kg, 2 times a day, for 2 days. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.

  • Dracunculiasis

    Dosage: 25–50 mg/kg, 2 times a day, for a day. In severe infections, the dose may be increased to 50 mg/kg after 5–8 days. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.

  • Toxocariasis

    Dosage: 25 mg/kg, 2 times a day, for 5–7 days. The maximum dose is 3,000 mg per day.

Interaction of Tiabendazole with Other Drugs

Tiabendazole can cause drug interactions when taken together with other drugs. The resulting interaction effects include:

  • Inhibit the metabolism of theophylline and caffeine drugs
  • Enhances anti-clotting effect, when used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin

How to Take Tiabendazole Correctly

Use tiabendazole according to the doctor's instructions or the information on the medicine package.

This medicine should usually be taken after meals. Drugs in tablet form need to be chewed before being swallowed, while drugs in suspension form need to be shaken before drinking.

If you forget to take tiabendazole, take this drug as soon as you remember. Especially if the gap with the next dose schedule is not too close. If the time for your next dose is near, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose.

This drug needs to be taken until the time that has been determined by the doctor, even though the symptoms of the worm infection have subsided.

Store tiabendazole at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Side Effects and Dangers of Tiabendazole

Some of the side effects that can be caused by tiabendazole are:

  • Dizzy
  • Headache
  • Ears ringing
  • Lost appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach ache

If the condition does not improve or even worsens, immediately consult a doctor. You are also advised to immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, namely:

  • Blurred vision
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Fever or chills
  • Yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Seizures
  • Bloody pee