Benzimidazoles

Base molecule of Benzimidazole

Different Derivatives of Benzimidazole

General Information:

Benzimidazoles are a family of anthelmintic drugs. They are typically prescribed by veterinarians for various parasitic worm infestations in livestock, horses and household pets. However, they can also be prescribed to humans for the purposes of deworming and various other treatments.

Mechanism of Action:

Benzimidazoles work by targeting the beta tubulin molecules found in the microtubules of the worms. This inhibits the cells in the worm from making energy, which in turn starves the worms until they die. Luckily, these drugs are more attracted to the tubulin found in the worms than in the cells of the livestock.

Mechanism of Action Video

Toxicity:

None of the benzimidazoles are known to be safe during pregnancy, so they should be avoided.

There is cause to believe that albendazole may have genotoxic effects in human lymphocytes.

Adverse reactions may include:

• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• insomnia
• rash

References:

1. BUG Consortium. n.d. Anthelmintics. [online] Available at: <https://bugconsortium.wordpress.com/anthelmintics/> [Accessed 25 May 2021].
2. Junquera, P., 2021. BENZIMIDAZOLES for veterinary use as ANTIHELMINTICS on CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, PIG, POULTRY, DOGS and CATS against parasitic worms. [online] Parasitipedia.net. Available at: <https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2440&Itemid=2701> [Accessed 25 May 2021].
3. Vercruysse, J. and Claerebout, E., 2014.Benzimidazoles – Pharmacology – Veterinary Manual. [online] Merck Veterinary Manual. Available at: <https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/anthelmintics/benzimidazoles> [Accessed 25 May 2021].
4. MyPet USA, 2019.Panacur (fenbendazole) Mode of Action. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R80gGGAD-Cc> [Accessed 25 May 2021].
5. Aronso, J. K.Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions. 16th ed., Elsevier B.V., 2016, pp. 849-856, https://www-clinicalkey-com.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780444537171003644. [Accessed 27 May 2021].
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information. “PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5798, Benzimidazole”PubChem, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Benzimidazole. [Accessed 28 May, 2021].
7. “Benzimidazoles [TUSOM | Pharmwiki]”. Tmedweb.Tulane.Edu, 2013, https://tmedweb.tulane.edu/pharmwiki/doku.php/benzimidazoles. Accessed 31 July 2021.