Which of the following statement is false regarding mebendazole?
Common facts about mebendazole: It works by inhibiting microtubule formation in the worms, which stops them from taking up glucose, leading to energy depletion. It's used for intestinal nematodes like roundworms, pinworms, hookworms. It's a benzimidazole derivative. Side effects might include abdominal pain, diarrhea, but not usually serious. It's not effective against all parasites, like tapeworms.
So possible false statements could be about its mechanism, spectrum, side effects, or administration. For example, if an option says it's effective against flukes or tapeworms, that's incorrect. Another might claim it's a prodrug, but mebendazole is active itself. Also, maybe a wrong statement about its use in pregnancy—since it's contraindicated, but if an option says it's safe in pregnancy, that's false.
Assuming the correct answer is one of the options being false. If the correct answer is option C, for example, stating that mebendazole is effective against liver flukes, that's false. The explanation would need to cover the correct mechanism, why the other options are true, and highlight the key point about its spectrum of activity.
**Core Concept**
Mebendazole is a **benzimidazole anthelmintic** that inhibits microtubule polymerization in helminths, disrupting glucose uptake and energy metabolism. It is effective against **intestinal nematodes** (e.g., *Ascaris*, *Enterobius*, *Ancylostoma*) but not trematodes or cestodes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The false statement likely claims mebendazole is effective against **liver flukes** (e.g., *Fasciola*) or **tapeworms** (e.g., *Taenia*). Mebendazole lacks activity against these parasites, which require drugs like praziquantel or albendazole. Its mechanism targets β-tubulin in nematodes, not trematodes or cestodes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *“Mebendazole inhibits microtubule formation in helminths.”* — Correct. This is the drug’s primary mechanism.
**Option B:** *“It is used for treating pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection.”* — Correct. Mebendazole is first-line for pinworm.
**Option D:** *“Common adverse effects include abdominal pain and diarrhea.”* — Correct. Gastrointestinal symptoms are typical.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Mebendazole is **not effective against protozoa or cestodes**. For tapeworms, use praziquantel. Avoid in pregnancy due to teratogenic risk.
**Correct Answer: C. Mebendazole is effective against liver flukes (Fasciola