Fenbendazole is an animal anthelmintic commonly used to treat nematodal infections and gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and other animals. It is also being studied for cancer therapy.
This broad-spectrum benzimidazole medication has been shown to be effective against a variety of fish parasites, including nematodes and some tapeworms. It is safe for both freshwater and saltwater fish, and is absorbed quickly. Fenbendazole kills worms within hours of administration, and is effective against both internal and external parasites.
The drug works by blocking the synthesis of methyl-tetrahydrofolate, a precursor to glycine. This chemical prevents the growth of mitochondria in the cell, leading to cell death. It also inhibits glucose uptake and boosts production of p53, a gene that can help keep cancer cells in check. These anti-cancer effects make fenbendazole a promising candidate for human cancer treatment.
In a study using an established human lymphoma xenograft model, fenbendazole inhibited tumor growth in mice. This was true even in the presence of irradiation, which is often required to induce tumors in this model. Moreover, the effect of the drug was enhanced by the addition of 600 mg per day of bioavailable curcumin, which can boost p53 levels and improve overall tumor response to paclitaxel.
The typical dosage of fenbendazole for humans is one 222mg capsule per 10 pounds of body weight taken daily for five days. Those who take the medication for extended periods of time may experience stomach pain and diarrhea. However, this is usually remedied by reducing the duration of the medication and taking it with meals to avoid absorption issues. Some people with severe renal or liver failure may require lower doses, as these conditions reduce drug excretion. fenbendazole 222mg capsules for humans