Ivermectin + Mebendazole
A compounded capsule that combines two long-established antiparasitic medications.
The basics
Ivermectin and mebendazole are two of the most widely used antiparasitic drugs in the world. Ivermectin paralyzes parasites by opening chloride channels in their nerve and muscle cells, and mebendazole disrupts microtubules, the internal scaffolding parasites need to absorb glucose. The FDA has approved each drug on its own for parasitic infections.
Patients also ask us about laboratory research on these drugs outside of parasitology. Our research post reviews what those studies show and what they don't, and your physician decides with you whether a prescription is appropriate.
We review the studies, the potential uses and benefits, and the open questions in our research post, Ivermectin and Mebendazole, and What the Cancer Research Shows.
What the evidence looks like
Strong for parasitic infections, where both drugs have decades of use. Laboratory and animal research has explored other uses, including in cancer biology, but no randomized trial has shown that either drug, or the combination, treats cancer in humans. It is not a substitute for standard cancer care.
Why patients ask about it
- Treatment of parasitic infections
- Questions about the published research on repurposed antiparasitic drugs
Good to know
- The combined capsule is compounded and is not FDA-approved.
- Prolonged mebendazole use calls for monitoring of liver enzymes and blood counts.
- Not for use during pregnancy. Ivermectin interacts with warfarin and some other medications, so bring your full medication list.
Ivermectin and Mebendazole, and What the Cancer Research Shows
Two old antiparasitic drugs have become the most common thing patients ask me about. Here is what the preclinical work found, what the few human studies found, and why the honest answer today is unproven.
Read the articleRelated on our formulary
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