Mebendazole

Chemical Structure / Formula of Mebendazole

• Formula: C16H13N3O3

• Structure: Benzimidazole derivative with carbamate (-NHCOO-) group.

Mechanism of Action

• Binds to β-tubulin, preventing microtubule formation, leading to worm paralysis and death.

Uses

• Broad-spectrum anthelmintic for ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm, enterobiasis (pinworm), strongyloidiasis.

Side Effects

• GI discomfort, hepatotoxicity.

• Bone marrow suppression (rare, high doses).

Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of Mebendazole

Structural Feature	SAR Insight
Benzimidazole nucleus	Essential for binding to β-tubulin, inhibiting microtubule polymerization.
Carbamate group at position 2	Crucial for anthelmintic activity.
Aromatic substituents	Enhance potency and spectrum.
Side chains (e.g., benzoyl)	Affect selectivity and absorption.

Synthesis of Mebendazole