title: Mebendazole in the treatment of dracontiasis.
abstract: In a controlled field trial of treatment for dracontiasis, mebendazole (Vermox) was found to be effective in eliminating the adult worm and preventing clinical relapses, but it did not achieve significant amelioration of symptoms, subsidence of inflammation, or healing of ulcers. The failure is attributed to poor absorption and lack of anti-inflammatory action of the drug. Mebendazole was well tolerated and although two patients reported mild gastrointestinal disturbances, which may be attributed to the drug, the study confirms that mebendazole is one of the safest anthelmintics in current use and is in that respect ideal for mass therapy.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004320:Dracunculiasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004321:Dracunculus Nematode / Q000187:drug effects; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D014945:Wound Healing; D015002:Yeast, Dried / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D001562:Benzimidazoles; D008463:Mebendazole