Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic veterinary drug that was first synthesized in 1967 by Janssen Pharmaceutica in Belgium. Early research found that it was highly effective against many common parasites that infected livestock, pets, and even humans. The drug works by interfering with the metabolism of parasitic worms, ultimately starving them and killing the infection. Due to its broad range of activity and low toxicity, fenbendazole quickly gained popularity and became one of the most widely used de-worming medications worldwide.
Mechanism of Action
At a molecular level, it works by selectively binding to tubulin, which is an important component of microtubules found within cells. Microtubules play a vital role in numerous cellular functions like intracellular transport, cell signaling, and cell division. Parasitic worms rely heavily on microtubule function for growth and metabolism. When it binds to the worms' tubulin, it prevents the polymerization of tubulin into microtubules. This ultimately disrupts microtubule formation and function, starvation the parasites and eliminating the infection. It selectively targets parasitic cells with little to no effect on the host's normal cells. This targeted mechanism allows it to clear infections while maintaining a good safety profile.
Spectrum of Activity
Due to its unique ability to bind tubulin, Fenbendazole has proven highly effective against a variety of gastrointestinal roundworms and pinworm infections. In livestock, it is commonly used to treat infections caused by Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm), Ostertagia spp. (brown stomach worm), Cooperia spp. (small intestinal worm), Trichostrongylus spp. (hair worm), Oesophagostomum radiatum (nodule worm), and Chabertia ovina. In pets, it is effective against Toxocara canis/cati (roundworm), Toxascaris leonina (roundworm), Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm), and Trichuris vulpis/fovis (whipworm). It has also shown activity against some tissue-dwelling parasites like Trichinella spiralis. Its broad spectrum makes it a valuable treatment for mixed parasitic infections.
Uses in Animals
Given its wide-ranging anti-parasitic properties, it finds numerous applications in veterinary medicine and livestock management. In food animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, it is primarily used for the treatment and control of gastrointestinal roundworms and lungworms. Proper dosing helps improve weight gain and feed conversion while reducing costs of parasitism. In horses, it is used to eliminate various predators like large strongyles that can impair performance. As a broad-spectrum dewormer, it is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for dogs and cats to clear intestinal worms. Its suspension is also used as a drench for poultry flocks to eliminate common gapeworm infections. Its low toxicity makes it suitable for use in many species including exotic pets, zoo animals, and laboratory animals.
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