title: Plasma concentrations of mebendazole during treatment of echinococcosis: preliminary results.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000097:blood*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004444:Echinococcosis, Hepatic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001562:Benzimidazoles; D004041:Dietary Fats; D008463:Mebendazole