Summary
High oral doses of mebendazole are used experimentally for the treatment of human alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. In order to assess bioavailability of this drug 1.5 g doses were given to 3 volunteers. Measurable plasma concentrations of 17 to 134 nmol/l were found only if mebendazole was given together with a fatty meal. In a patient with cholestasis plasma concentrations were higher than in the 3 normal subjects. In patients on long term treatment the increase in plasma concentration after administration of a 1 g dose varied between 0 and 500 nmol/l. It is concluded that systemic availability of mebendazole is enhanced by concomitant food intake. In view of the large intra- and interindividual variation in plasma concentration, monitoring plasma levels during long term therapy appears advisable.
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Studies carried out in cooperation with the Swiss Echinococcosis Study Group (Coordinators: A. Akovbiantz, R. Ammann, J. Bircher and J. Eckert)
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Münst, G.J., Karlaganis, G. & Bircher, J. Plasma concentrations of mebendazole during treatment of echinococcosis. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 17, 375–378 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558451
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558451