Fenbendazole is an effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic that is used to treat intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms) in dogs. Your veterinarian may also use it off-label to prevent giardia in dogs.
It is a member of the benzimidazole family of drugs, and has several unique features that make it useful as an antiparasitic drug. It acts by binding to the b-tubulin, disrupting tubulin microtubule equilibrium in helminthes, which causes them to detach from the host cell and die. This action is independent of cellular pH and occurs at concentrations much lower than those required to inhibit growth in mammalian cells.
In addition, fenbendazole is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis in helminthes, thus preventing the production of new proteins by these organisms. This effect is largely due to its inhibition of protein synthase, which is an essential enzyme in the synthesis of the tRNA molecules needed for protein synthesis.
Fenbendazole is well tolerated at regular doses and has few side effects in animals. However, at higher than normal doses it is possible for the medication to cause an allergic reaction in some animals, resulting in facial swelling, itchiness, hives or shock. This is very rare and typically occurs in cats receiving fenbendazole at five times the approved dosage or in dogs at three times the recommended dosage for long durations.
Often your veterinarian will prescribe compounded medications for your pet if they are not commercially available, the dosage strength is not adequate, or your animal has an allergy to one of the ingredients found in FDA-approved drugs. Veterinary pharmacists are specially trained in preparing these medications and in the safe administration of them to pets. fenbendazole capsules