Does Fenbendazole Kill The Parasites In Pancreas Humans?

The notion of treating human parasitic infections with a dog or livestock dewormer has been going around the internet. Understandably inquisitive, people wonder, if Fenbendazole eliminates worms in animals, might it also kill parasites hiding in our pancreas? That is a fascinating query. Before you rush to the vet pharmacy aisle or buy that pet supply online, let’s analyze what we know (and don’t know) regarding fenbendazole, human parasites, and safer treatment choices.

Common Parasites Of The Human Pancreas

Knowing which parasites can impact the human pancreas is crucial.  Though not a typical home for insects, a few parasites are known to be problematic there, most often by blocking or irritating the pancreas. Among them:

• A big intestinal worm found all over the world is the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides). Some times, Ascaris stray into the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, therefore resulting in pain, inflammation, and even pancreatitis.
• Most frequently in the liver or lungs, Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm larvae cause hydatid cysts; seldom do cysts develop on or around the pancreas. These cysts can expand and damage the pancreas by exerting pressure.
• Flatworms called liver flukes, Fasciola hepatica, Clonorchis sinensis, and Opisthorchis viverrini usually dwell in the liver and bile ducts following consumption of polluted fish or water plants. However, they might cause inflammation that spreads to the adjacent pancreas. Pancreatitis occasionally results from infection with liver flukes.
• Other parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.) usually induce intestinal symptoms; however, in exceedingly rare cases, in immune problems or extreme cases, the pancreas might be affected.

In some regions of the world, these worms are actual issues. Most of the time, however, doctors see parasitic pancreas issues in travelers or underdeveloped areas. If a patient has one of these infections, doctors use particular drugs to kill the worms and stop organ damage.

What Is Fenbendazole And How Does It Work?

Often benign at the proper dosage for its target animals, fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug used by veterinarians extensively. It is sold as a treatment for cattle, horses, dogs, and cats to eradicate worms.

Fenbendazole is part of the benzimidazole group of deworming medicines, together with albendazole and mebendazole, which are used in humans for some worms.

Attaching to little worm structures called microtubules, it inhibits the parasite’s ability to feed. The worm dies off when it finally starves or can’t reproduce. In animals, fenbendazole is very effective against hookworms, whipworms, some tapeworms, some flukes, and roundworms.

In agriculture and vet offices, fenbendazole is a favored dewormer. You might have seen it presented as a dog deworming pill or powder. Both animal health and agriculture depend on it.

Fenbendazole And Pancreatic Parasites

Fenbendazole kills Ascaris, a gut roundworm. A single oral dose of fenbendazole in people completely eradicates Ascaris infestations (and other often found intestinal worms). Fenbendazole would indirectly ease duct obstruction and help address the source of pancreatitis by getting rid of Ascaris in the intestines.

Fenbendazole, meanwhile, was not created for and has not been particularly investigated against internal pancreatic parasites.

Usually, flukes and tapeworms that target the pancreas call for additional therapies. For instance, praziquantel or triclabendazole are commonly prescribed for liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis); Wikipedia even points out that benzimidazole medicines (the class of fenbendazole) are “very weak” against these flukes.

Likewise treated with albendazole and occasionally surgery are human hydatid (Echinococcus) infections. A veterinary case study further showed that fenbendazole administered to a cat did not eradicate a pancreatic fluke infection

Ivermectin 12 mg: A Safer, Doctor-Approved Alternative

One could wonder, “Is there an approved medicine for parasites? “Yes, ivermectin is one such example. Approved for humans, ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication utilized for decades. Treatment of several worm infections in people, including strongyloidiasis (threadworm) and onchocerciasis, usually calls for 12 mg or more.

Under medical supervision, it is also applied against particular skin parasites (such as scabies). Unlike fenbendazole, ivermectin has been investigated in human clinical trials, which is the main distinction.

Doctors are aware of safe dosages and the adverse effects to look out for. A doctor might prescribe ivermectin or other approved drugs (like albendazole or praziquantel, depending on the kind of parasite) if you had a verified parasitic illness.

Bottom line

Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic commonly used in animals; it kills worms by disrupting their microtubules. Research is exploring whether it can address pancreatic parasites.

Ivermectin 12 mg is another antiparasitic often considered. Learn more on our blog, and visit our store for recommended Fenbendazole and Ivermectin 12 mg products today.