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Thiabendazole

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Thiabendazole is an anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) medication used to treat various worm infections, including strongyloidiasis (threadworm) and cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption). It works by inhibiting the energy metabolism of parasites, effectively eliminating them from the body. This medication is available by prescription and is typically taken orally.

Quick summary

Thiabendazole is an anti-parasitic medication used to treat worm infections like threadworm and creeping eruption.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
D01AC06
RxNorm
10450
Generic
Thiabendazole
Class
atc-d01
Brands
Tresaderm
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
topical, oral
Forms
solution, suspension, tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use leading to cumulative toxicity
Immediate actions
Gastric lavage within 1-2 hours of ingestion, activated charcoal administration, supportive care
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

fetal ultrasound monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed

Monitor

fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug

Key Recommendations

thiabendazole passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should either discontinue nursing or avoid this medication

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

children under 15 kg
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing required

Key Recommendations

use with caution; dose based on body weight; not recommended for children under 15 kg

Monitor

monitor for gastrointestinal and CNS effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

children 15 40 kg
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing 25 mg/kg every 12 hours

Key Recommendations

dose should not exceed 3 g daily; use for minimum duration

Monitor

monitor liver function and for CNS symptoms

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 years and older
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lower dose

Key Recommendations

use with caution; consider renal and hepatic function; monitor for adverse CNS effects

Monitor

monitor renal and hepatic function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no initial adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor renal function

Monitor

periodic renal function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose and increase dosing interval

Key Recommendations

use with caution; dose reduction recommended

Monitor

close renal function monitoring and drug level monitoring if available

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor liver function tests

Monitor

regular liver function monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe hepatic impairment
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of toxicity

Monitor

liver function monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Anthelmintic

Drug class information for Thiabendazole (antiparasitic agent)

prescribingFDA
2023

First FDA approval

Value:1971

Initial FDA approval year for Thiabendazole

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Inhibits fumarate reductase in parasites

Primary pharmacological mechanism of action

usageCDC
2023

Common therapeutic uses

Value:Strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, trichinosis

Primary indications for Thiabendazole treatment

Thiabendazole is primarily used to treat strongyloidiasis (intestinal threadworm infection), cutaneous larva migrans (a skin infection caused by hookworm larvae), and other helminth infections including trichinosis and visceral larva migrans.

Thiabendazole works by inhibiting the enzyme fumarate reductase in parasites, which disrupts their energy metabolism and ability to survive. This leads to the death and elimination of the parasites from the body.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Patients with liver disease should use this medication with caution. Thiabendazole may interact with other medications, and blood counts should be monitored during prolonged treatment. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy