What is Fenbendazole 500mg?
Fenbendazole 500mg is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (dewormer) commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat and control parasitic worm infestations in animals. Though primarily designed for animals like dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and poultry, it has gained attention in off-label research for potential human use, particularly in parasitic infections and, more controversially, in experimental cancer studies (not FDA-approved for cancer treatment).
What Are the Uses of Fenbendazole 500mg?
Veterinary Uses:
Treatment of gastrointestinal parasites such as:
Roundworms (Toxocara, Toxascaris)
Hookworms (Ancylostoma, Uncinaria)
Whipworms (Trichuris)
Tapeworms (Taenia spp.)
Strongyles and pinworms in horses
Liver flukes and lungworms in cattle and sheep
Giardia infections in dogs
Note: Use in humans is not FDA-approved, and any human use should be guided by a healthcare provider or be part of a clinical trial.
What Are the Benefits of Fenbendazole 500 mg?
Broad-spectrum efficacy against multiple parasite types
Well-tolerated in animals with a wide safety margin
Low resistance risk when used properly
Oral administration makes it easy to use
Potential off-label research into anticancer properties (under investigation)
How Does Fenbendazole 500 mg Work?
Fenbendazole works by inhibiting microtubule formation in the intestinal cells of parasites. It binds to β-tubulin, preventing glucose uptake and energy production in the worms, leading to their starvation and death.
How to Take Fenbendazole 500 mg?
For animals: It is usually given orally, either directly as a tablet/paste or mixed with food.
For off-label human use (experimental): Some individuals take 500 mg tablets once daily for 3 consecutive days, followed by 4 days off (a 7-day cycle), though this is not officially recommend.
Always follow veterinary or healthcare professional advice.
Dosage of Fenbendazole 500 mg
Dogs: Typically 50 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days.
Cats: Variable; consult a veterinarian.
Horses: 5 mg/kg as a single dose.
Cattle/Sheep: Dosing varies by species and weight.
Human (experimental/off-label):
500 mg/day (as seen in anecdotal protocols) – not medically endorse or approve.
Missed Dose and Overdose
Missed Dose: Administer as soon as remembered. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up.
Overdose: Generally low toxicity in animals. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. In humans, consult a medical professional immediately.
What Are the Available Strengths of Fenbendazole?
Tablets or granules: 222 mg, 444 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg
Paste and suspensions also available for veterinary use
Side Effects of Fenbendazole 500 mg
In animals:
Rare and usually mild
Vomiting
Lethargy
Temporary loss of appetite
In humans (experimental):
Abdominal discomfort
Flatulence
Nausea (rare)
Liver enzyme changes (reported in some long-term users)
Interactions of Fenbendazole 500 mg
Minimal drug interactions reported in animals.
In humans, potential interactions with liver-metabolized drugs (e.g., anticonvulsants, antifungals).
Use caution with alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs.
Precautions of Fenbendazole 500 mg
Veterinary use only unless directed by a physician or used under experimental protocol.
Not recommend for pregnant or lactating animals unless approve by a vet.
Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution.
Avoid use if allergic to benzimidazole class drugs (e.g., mebendazole, albendazole).
Storage Information
Store at room temperature (15°C–30°C or 59°F–86°F)
Keep in a dry, tightly closed container
Protect from light and moisture
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Availability in the US and Australia
USA: Available as veterinary medication (brand names include Panacur®, Safe-Guard®)
Australia: Available for veterinary use through pet supply stores, online pharmacies, and veterinarians
Note: Not registered for human use in either country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can humans take Fenbendazole 500mg?
A: It is not FDA-approved for human use. Any human use is experimental and should be approach with extreme caution.
Q2: Is Fenbendazole safe for long-term use?
A: In animals, it is well-tolerate. Long-term human use lacks sufficient clinical safety data.
Q3: Does Fenbendazole cure cancer?
A: No definitive evidence supports its use as a cancer cure. Some preliminary studies and anecdotal reports exist, but more research is needed.
Q4: Can I buy Fenbendazole without a prescription?
A: Yes, in many countries it is available over-the-counter for veterinary use.
Q5: What is the difference between Fenbendazole and Mebendazole?
A: Both are benzimidazole use to treat parasitic infections. Mebendazole is approve for human use; Fenbendazole is not.
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