Mebendazole. Treatment of trichuriasis and ascariasis in Bahamian children

Abstract

Mebendazole (Vermox), a new broad-spectrum anthelminthic, was used in 107 Bahamian children with trichuriasis, 88 of whom had concomitant ascariasis, in a dose of 100 mg twice daily for three days. After treatment, three consecutive daily formalin-ether determinations and stool egg counts by the Stoll method were performed. Egg reduction rates of 97.6% and 99.5% were obtained for Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides , respectively. Respective cure rates were 68.2% and 98.8%. Drug tolerance was excellent and side effects were nil. Mebendazole was confirmed as a safe and easily administered broad-spectrum anthelminthic, particularly useful in trichuriasis. ( JAMA 230:1408-1411, 1974)