Definition

Noun: A synthetic drug belonging to the benzimidazole class, used as an anthelmintic medication to treat infections caused by parasitic worms, specifically targeting infestations of hookworms, pinworms, and roundworms. It works by inhibiting the worms' ability to absorb glucose, leading to their depletion of energy and death.

Usage

Mebendazole is used to treat specific intestinal worm infections. * The doctor prescribed mebendazole for the child's pinworm infection. * A single dose of mebendazole is often effective against roundworms.

Advanced Usage

• Broad-spectrum anthelmintic: Mebendazole is described as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic because it is effective against several types of parasitic worms.
• Veterinary use: While primarily for human medicine, mebendazole is also used in veterinary practice to treat helminth infections in animals.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthelmintic (noun/adjective): A substance used to destroy parasitic worms. Mebendazole is a type of anthelmintic.
• Benzimidazole (noun): The chemical class of compounds to which mebendazole belongs.

Synonyms

• Anthelmintic, anti-worm medication, vermifuge.

Notes on Meaning

The word "mebendazole" refers exclusively to the pharmaceutical compound. It does not have different meanings in different contexts; its meaning is strictly medical/pharmacological.

Noun

1. an anthelmintic used to treat hookworm and pinworm and roundworm infestations