Thiabendazole Side Effects

Some side effects of thiabendazole may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to thiabendazole: oral tablet chewable

Stop taking thiabendazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of the throat; or hives).

Rarely, other serious side effects can occur. Stop taking thiabendazole and contact your doctor if you experience

• seizures;

• behavior or personality changes;

• skin rash;

• vision changes; or

• yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take thiabendazole and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness, drowsiness, or headache;

• numbness;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or decreased appetite;

• unusual urine odor;

• fever or chills;

• ringing in the ears;

• blurred vision or dryness of the eyes; or

• appearance of live worms in the mouth or nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to thiabendazole: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet chewable

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have commonly included nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain. These side effects generally only last 1 to 2 days and do not require drug discontinuation. Epigastric distress and abdominal pain have also been reported.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included drowsiness, dizziness, giddiness, headache, paresthesias, weariness, numbness, hyperirritability, convulsions, collapse, confusion, depression, floating sensation, weakness, and lack of coordination.

Hypersensitivity

Erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and toxic epidermal necrolysis generally do not occur for several weeks after thiabendazole is discontinued. The reaction generally starts with a skin eruption which quickly progresses. Two reported cases had complete recovery after several weeks of therapy.

Hypersensitivity adverse effects have included pruritic rash reactions, fever, facial flush, chills, conjunctival injection, angioedema, anaphylaxis, skin rashes (including perianal), erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), toxic epidermal necrolysis, and lymphadenopathy.

Hepatic

Sicca complex has been frequently noted with the hepatic changes associated with thiabendazole. This clinical picture includes keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. This also appears to be reversible in most cases without medical intervention.

Hepatic side effects reported have included liver damage. It may manifest as jaundice, cholestasis, sicca syndrome, malaise, light-colored stools, and gastrointestinal upset. These symptoms generally do not occur for several weeks following thiabendazole therapy completion. Therapy usually consists of only supportive measures. In most cases the hepatic damage is reversible, although at least one patient has died as a result of hepatic damage. Sicca complex has also been reported.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included abnormal sensation in eyes, xanthopsia, blurred vision, and transient disturbances in vision.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included hyperglycemia.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included transient leukopenia.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included hematuria, enuresis, malodor of the urine, and crystalluria.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included psychic alterations.

Other

Other side effects have included tinnitus, drying of mucous membranes, and live Ascaris in the mouth and nose.

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