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Vermox (MEBENDAZOLE)
Vermox works by interfering with the parasite's ability to absorb glucose, ultimately leading to its death.
Vermox (Mebendazole) is a small molecule anthelmintic drug developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It targets the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and is used to treat various parasitic worm infections, including ascariasis, enterobiasis, and trichuriasis. Originally approved by the FDA in 1974, Vermox is now off-patent and available as a generic medication. The drug has a short half-life of 1.1 hours and limited bioavailability of 22%. As a result, it is typically administered orally in a single dose.
At a glance
| Generic name | MEBENDAZOLE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Janssen Pharms |
| Drug class | Anthelmintic [EPC] |
| Target | Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1974 |
Mechanism of action
Mebendazole, benzimidazole, is an anthelmintic drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Approved indications
- Ancylostoma Duodenale Infection
- Ascariasis
- Enterobiasis
- Necator Americanus Infection
- Trichuriasis
Common side effects
- Liver function test elevations
- Hepatitis
- Neutropenia
- Agranulocytosis
- Convulsions
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Angioedema
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Drug interactions
- metronidazole
Key clinical trials
- Avapritinib for the Treatment of CKIT or PDGFRA Mutation-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Malignant Solid Tumors (PHASE2)
- Treatment and Prevention of Severe Anemia in Pregnant Zanzibari Women (PHASE3)
- Possible Efficacy and Safety of Mebendazole in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Treated With Mesalamine (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside in Participants With Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside in Participants With Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections (PHASE3)
- Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Stinging Nettle as Treatments for GWI (NA)
- Effectiveness Study During the First 1,000 Days in Kenya (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Oxantel Pamoate in Children Infected With Trichuris Trichiura (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Vermox CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Vermox updates RSS · CI watch RSS