Fugacar

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Fugacar

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Fugacar

Property Description
Active ingredient Mebendazole (INN)
Form Oral tablets, oral suspension
Pharmacological class Anthelmintic agent (Anti-worm medication)
Common use Elimination of intestinal parasites
Origin Synthetic compound

Fugacar is a proprietary medicinal product with the single active ingredient, Mebendazole, which is chemically defined as a synthetic broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent. It is generally manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and is prepared for oral administration, typically available as oral tablets and oral suspension. The medication is clinically recognized for its efficacy against intestinal parasitic infections.


1. Fugacar: Definition, Composition, and Origin

Fugacar is a single-ingredient product containing Mebendazole, a substance known as a benzimidazole carbamate derivative. The substance is manufactured through chemical synthesis, confirming its origin as a synthetic compound. Unlike some generic versions, the branded product may be formulated with specific excipients and flavorings to enhance its appeal, particularly in its suspension form, making it a viable option for pediatric patients. The formulation includes all necessary pharmaceutical components to create the final stable preparations for ingestion.


2. What Pharmacological Class Does Fugacar Belong To?

Fugacar belongs to the anthelmintic agent pharmacological class, a therapeutic category of drugs specifically designed to destroy or expel parasitic worms from the body. Mebendazole's established profile as a benzimidazole-type anthelmintic is recognized by its listing on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines. This designation confirms the drug is considered one of the most effective and safest medicines needed in a health system.


3. General Therapeutic Purpose of Fugacar

The overall therapeutic purpose of Fugacar is the elimination of intestinal parasitic worms to resolve the infection within the gastrointestinal tract. Mebendazole achieves this by employing an anthelmintic action that primarily targets the parasite's vital metabolic functions. This focused action leads to the metabolic failure and eventual death of the parasites, providing the central, high-level benefit of deworming when a patient is affected by susceptible intestinal parasites.

Regulatory References

  1. Mebendazole: LiverTox - Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury

What side effects are possible with Fugacar?

Fugacar: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Fugacar (Mebendazole) has an official safety profile primarily characterized by infrequent adverse reactions. The documented side effects are classified according to frequency and impact specific System-Organ Classes (SOC) as defined in regulatory documents.

Frequency and System-Organ Classes

The most Common adverse reaction is abdominal pain. Other gastrointestinal effects, such as diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting, are classified as Uncommon. These transient effects may also be linked to the expulsion of a heavy parasitic burden, particularly during treatment initiation.

Rare effects reported in official labeling include rash, dizziness, and neutropenia (low white blood cell count). The official safety documentation also lists events with a Frequency Not Known, primarily derived from post-marketing reports.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The regulatory profile highlights rare but clinically significant Serious Adverse Reactions, including severe cutaneous reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Severe effects on the blood and lymphatic system, such as agranulocytosis, and the hepatobiliary system, such as hepatitis, are also documented.

These more serious hematologic and hepatic effects are particularly associated with Mebendazole use at dosages substantially higher than recommended or for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of the medication have not been established in children less than 1 year of age, with reports of convulsions noted in this specific population. Mebendazole is formally contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or its excipients.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This information is based on official government regulatory documents (e.g., FDA, EMA) and is intended solely for educational purposes, describing officially documented risks.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute overdose with Fugacar (mebendazole) typically results in transient, self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. These officially documented manifestations include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Serious Systemic Outcomes

Severe adverse reactions, including systemic toxicities, have been reported primarily in patients treated with dosages substantially higher than recommended or for prolonged periods. These serious outcomes, which may be expected with massive overdose, include hematological effects (e.g., agranulocytosis, neutropenia) and hepatic dysfunction (e.g., hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes).

Emergency Action Required

Urgent medical attention is required for any suspected overdose. Government labeling uniformly instructs patients to contact a poison control center or emergency room at once if they believe too much medicine has been taken. There is no specific antidote for mebendazole overdose.

Management is supportive and symptomatic. Activated charcoal may be administered if deemed appropriate by medical professionals to aid in the removal of unabsorbed drug.

Population Note: Convulsions have been reported in infants below the age of 1 year in post-marketing experience.

Therapeutic Uses of Fugacar

What Fugacar Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Managing Intestinal Parasitic Infections

The primary role of this medication is applied in addressing conditions involving common parasitic worms. It is commonly used to help with infections caused by several soil-transmitted helminths, including pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm. The core therapeutic goal is applied in addressing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states caused by these parasitic worms, which supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

Fugacar is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate. The treatment is relevant for managing symptoms that may interfere with daily comfort, including pronounced gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nonspecific stomach pain or diarrhea. It is also commonly used to help with the highly irritating symptom of perianal irritation and associated sleeplessness. This helps improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes in groups such as school-aged children, and is relevant for managing mixed helminthic infections. It is often used in settings where the presence of the parasite creates noticeable physiological strain, and its use may be part of symptomatic management applied to household members in situations involving easily transmissible parasitic conditions.


Quick Fact: Supportive Management of Perianal Irritation

Fugacar's use is considered relevant for managing the intense anal itching and nocturnal disturbances that are symptoms related to heightened physiological activity in pinworm infection.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Fugacar — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility profile for Fugacar (Mebendazole) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on age, physiological status, and underlying health conditions.


Eligibility Scope

  • Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Adults and pediatric patients generally aged two years and older are eligible for treatment. Use is also permitted in children aged one year and older for specific formulations and approved indications.
  • Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Use is generally not recommended in children under two years of age, as safety and effectiveness have not been extensively established in this younger cohort.
  • Populations for whom use is contraindicated: The medicine is strictly contraindicated for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to mebendazole or its excipients. It is also contraindicated in infants below the age of one year due to post-marketing reports of convulsions.

Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented):

  • Pregnancy: The medication is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, unless the physician determines the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.
  • Lactation (Nursing Mothers): Caution should be exercised during breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether the active ingredient is excreted in human milk.

Condition-specific eligibility rules:

  • Patients with impaired hepatic (liver) function require caution, as this condition may lead to higher drug exposure. Close monitoring of blood counts is advised for patients receiving prolonged therapy, such as those with pre-existing bone marrow problems.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile:

Official regulatory documents clearly establish non-eligibility through explicit contraindications and define conditional use across several populations. This structure limits the drug to populations where the benefit-to-risk profile is judged acceptable by regulatory bodies, preventing use in the most sensitive groups.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile of Mebendazole (Fugacar) is characterized by documented pharmacokinetic alterations and one mandated restriction. Concomitant use with the antibacterial agent metronidazole must be avoided due to a documented risk of serious acute dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This restriction is explicitly stated in prescribing information.


The following medicines and substances are noted in regulatory information for their ability to modify Mebendazole's systemic exposure:

Interacting Substance Official Interaction Outcome
Cimetidine Increased plasma concentrations resulting from the inhibition of mebendazole metabolism.
Carbamazepine / Hydantoins Reduced plasma levels resulting from the increased metabolism of mebendazole.
High-Fat Meal A modest increase in systemic bioavailability and absorption is documented.

These metabolism-based interactions structure the drug’s regulatory profile. Furthermore, the official labeling notes that individuals with impaired hepatic function, or impaired biliary elimination, may be at risk of higher systemic plasma levels of Mebendazole due to documented reduced pre-systemic clearance. No specific administration timing separation is mandated for these documented interactions.

Mechanism of Action

How Fugacar Works: Mechanism of Action

The pharmacological action of Mebendazole (Fugacar) is a targeted biochemical process resulting in the disruption of essential parasite internal functions.


Targeted Molecular Inhibition of Parasite Cytoskeleton

The primary mechanism involves selective, high-affinity binding to the beta-tubulin protein found in the parasite's cells. Mebendazole functions as an inhibitor of beta-tubulin polymerization, which is required to form the microtubules that constitute the parasite's cytoskeleton. This structural disruption is highly targeted, leveraging the substantial differences between parasite and mammalian tubulin.


Metabolic Collapse via Glucose Blockade

The loss of functional microtubules in the parasite's intestinal (tegumental) cells causes a fundamental structural and transport failure. This rapidly blocks the glucose uptake pathway from the host environment. The forced metabolic starvation leads to the rapid exhaustion of the parasite's internal glycogen stores and, ultimately, the complete failure of ATP (energy) synthesis. The progressive energy depletion results in organism immobilization and failure of viability.


Mechanism Selectivity and Boundaries

The drug's action is fundamentally constrained by its differential binding affinity, which is significantly higher for the parasite's tubulin than for the host's. The mechanism may be compromised if the parasite acquires benzimidazole resistance through genetic mutations that alter the beta-tubulin structure, reducing the drug's binding efficacy and weakening the resulting metabolic cascade.

Dosage and Administration Information

Fugacar (mebendazole) is strictly for oral administration, with the dosage and administration patterns standardized according to the type of parasitic infection being addressed. The medication is prepared to be taken with or without food, as standard prescribing information indicates that no special fasting or dietary procedures are required.

The standard regimen dictates the frequency and duration. For conditions such as pinworm infection, the administration is a single 100 mg oral dose. For roundworm, whipworm, or hookworm infections, the typical regimen is 100 mg administered twice daily, in the morning and evening, for three consecutive days. Alternatively, a single 500 mg dose is established for the treatment of roundworm and whipworm infections.

The physical preparation of the tablet for ingestion is standardized. The 100 mg tablet may be swallowed whole, chewed, or crushed and mixed into food. In contrast, the 500 mg chewable tablet must be chewed completely before swallowing. If a patient has difficulty chewing, the 500 mg tablet can be placed in 2 to 3 mL of water to soften it into a swallowable semi-solid mass.

The dosage schedule is consistent for adults and specified pediatric groups (children 2 years of age and older for the 100 mg regimen, or 1 year of age and older for the 500 mg regimen). If the patient is not cured, a second course of treatment is advised after a three-week interval has passed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Fugacar (Mebendazole): Recent Clinical Evidence

Mebendazole, the active ingredient in Fugacar, is a widely used anthelmintic medication primarily studied for its efficacy against soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections such as roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.

Recent clinical trials continue to evaluate and compare mebendazole’s performance, particularly in deworming programs for school-aged children in endemic areas. Efficacy is typically measured using two key parameters:

Outcome Measure Definition in Studies
Cure Rate (CR) Percentage of infected participants who become egg-negative after treatment.
Egg Reduction Rate (ERR) Percentage reduction in the average number of parasite eggs found in stool samples post-treatment.

Studies have shown that mebendazole generally demonstrates high cure rates and egg reduction rates against Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), often exceeding 90% ERR. However, efficacy against hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) can be more varied, with some trials reporting lower cure rates for hookworm.

Expanding Research Areas

Beyond its traditional use, mebendazole is the subject of ongoing clinical investigation for its potential use in non-traditional indications, including its anti-proliferative activity observed in cell culture and animal models. Researchers are exploring its use in clinical trials as a potential agent for various types of cancer, often in combination with standard therapies.

In these repurposed trials, higher and/or more prolonged doses are being examined. Safety monitoring in these studies focuses on potential adverse events such as elevations in liver enzymes, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), and gastrointestinal symptoms, which are generally rare but have been reported with extended or high-dose use.

Key Studies & References

  1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - Mebendazole monograph and use
  2. Efficacy of mebendazole against Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  3. Repurposing Mebendazole for the Treatment of Cancer: A Review of the Clinical and Experimental Evidence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Fugacar (FAQ)


Q: What is the list of ingredients other than the active one in Fugacar tablets?

The official prescribing information for each specific Fugacar product formulation lists all non-active ingredients, also known as excipients. These substances, which can include flavorings and stabilizers, are necessary to create the final tablet or suspension.

Since the excipient list may vary by brand or formulation, the complete details are provided in the documentation that accompanies your specific product.

Q: What is the shelf life of Fugacar tablets?

The shelf life of the medication is determined by the manufacturer and is detailed in the official product information. This time frame is always marked on the packaging as the expiry date.

For certain presentations, official regulatory guidance indicates that any unused tablets must be discarded one month after the bottle is first opened, regardless of the printed expiry date.

Q: Is Fugacar used for all types of worms?

Fugacar (mebendazole) is officially indicated for the treatment of specific intestinal parasitic infections. These include infections caused by pinworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm.

It is not universally approved for all known types of parasitic worms, but only for those listed in the official therapeutic indications.

Q: What should be done if a dose of Fugacar is missed?

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with Fugacar contains specific, detailed instructions for how to handle a missed dose. These instructions are standardized based on the approved dosing regimen for the intended infection.

Reviewing the specific instructions provided in the PIL is important for managing a missed dose.

Q: Is it okay to take Fugacar if I feel healthy and just want a preventative measure?

Official regulatory documents clearly state that Fugacar is approved for the treatment of confirmed parasitic infections; it is prescribed to eliminate existing intestinal worms.

Official documents do not list preventative use as an approved indication for this medication.

Q: Does Fugacar cause drowsiness or affect ability to drive?

Official product information notes that certain reported side effects, such as dizziness, may have an influence on a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. These effects are generally uncommon.

Patients should be aware of this possibility, particularly when starting treatment.

Q: Is it normal to see worms in stool after taking Fugacar?

Informational sources often describe the sight of worms being passed in the stool as a possible outcome related to the drug's effect of eliminating the parasite.

This is a reaction to the medication working to expel the organism from the body.

Q: Does Fugacar interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Official drug interaction lists do not currently include specific warnings regarding concomitant use with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Regulatory documents only list a small number of specific substances known to interact.

Reviewing the full product labeling is recommended for specific warnings related to other medications being taken.

Q: Is there a known interaction between Fugacar and alcohol?

Official regulatory information, which details all known substance interactions, does not list a specific interaction between Fugacar (mebendazole) and the consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol is not a substance that is noted as modifying the drug's effect or increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Q: Where does the official information about Fugacar's safety come from?

The official information, including all safety warnings and dosage guidelines, is mandated and compiled by governmental regulatory bodies. This includes agencies such as the FDA, the EMA, and the MHRA.

These organizations publish the formal prescribing information and safety summaries based on clinical and post-marketing data.

Q: Is it necessary for the whole family to be treated with Fugacar at the same time?

Official public health guidance related to the management of highly contagious parasitic infections, such as pinworm, often includes recommendations for treating the entire household. This is done to help ensure the infection is eliminated from the domestic environment.

This guidance is non-directive and is intended to reduce the risk of reinfection among close contacts.

Q: Does Fugacar have different side effects in adults compared to children?

While common side effects are generally similar across age groups, official warnings note age-specific adverse events, particularly in infants. For example, reports of convulsions have been noted in infants under one year of age.

Due to this risk, the medicine is formally contraindicated in infants below that age.

Q: What if I take an antacid or acid-reducing medicine while using Fugacar?

The official interaction profile does not list a specific warning for general antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

However, cimetidine, which is a specific type of acid reducer, is noted in the regulatory documents to increase mebendazole plasma concentrations. Reviewing the full product labeling is recommended for specific warnings related to other medications being taken.

Q: Can Fugacar be used in people with kidney problems?

Official prescribing information does not list kidney (renal) impairment as a condition that requires a specific dosage adjustment or a special contraindication.

The medication is primarily metabolized elsewhere, and thus a kidney problem is not noted as a specific eligibility constraint in the regulatory documents.

Q: Does Fugacar interact with birth control pills?

Official drug interaction documents do not contain a specific warning regarding an interaction between Fugacar and oral contraceptive medications.

This means that no interaction between the two has been formally documented or mandated as a warning in the regulatory safety profile.

Q: What kind of studies have been performed on Fugacar in pediatric populations?

Mebendazole has been extensively studied in clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness in deworming programs, often targeting school-aged children. The research focuses primarily on its effectiveness against soil-transmitted helminth infections.

These studies assess the drug’s cure rate and egg reduction rate in children living in endemic areas.

Q: Is Fugacar associated with any mental or mood changes?

The officially reported list of side effects, which covers all known and suspected reactions, does not include mental or mood changes. The effects listed are generally physical, such as dizziness or gastrointestinal distress.

Q: Are there official statements about Fugacar use in the elderly?

Official prescribing information does not list special dosage adjustments or specific warnings for use in the elderly population compared to other adults. The medication is generally used in the same way for all adult patients.

Regulatory documents suggest a similar safety and efficacy profile in the geriatric population as in younger adults.

Q: Do studies support the use of Fugacar for the treatment of pinworms?

Yes, official documents indicate that Fugacar is approved for the treatment of pinworm infection. The regulatory approval for this use is considered proof of supported effectiveness.

The dosing and administration for pinworm is often a single dose, as detailed in the official prescribing information.

Q: Can Fugacar affect blood test results?

Serious adverse reactions described in official information include effects on the blood and lymphatic system, such as neutropenia (a low white blood cell count) and agranulocytosis. These are conditions that would typically be identified and tracked through blood tests.

These effects are generally rare and associated with use at higher-than-recommended or prolonged dosages.

Q: Are there specific symptoms that mean I should stop taking Fugacar?

Official information lists rare but serious adverse reactions, which include severe skin reactions (like SJS/TEN) and serious effects on the blood and liver (hepatitis).

These serious conditions are risks that are typically addressed immediately by a healthcare professional.

Q: Does Fugacar have any known drug-disease interactions mentioned in regulatory documents?

Yes, official documents note that caution is required in patients with impaired liver function due to the potential for increased drug exposure. Additionally, monitoring is advised for individuals with pre-existing bone marrow problems who are receiving prolonged therapy.

These conditions are flagged because they may alter how the body handles the drug.

How should Fugacar be stored and disposed of?

Fugacar (mebendazole) must be stored and disposed of according to strict official regulatory guidelines to maintain its stability and ensure environmental protection.

Required Storage Conditions

Classification Type Regulatory Statement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F) [1.3]. Must be kept from freezing [3.5].
Protection Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and away from excess heat and moisture [3.5].
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children [3.5].
Stability Do not use after the expiry date [3.2]. For certain bottle presentations, discard unused tablets 1 month after the bottle is first opened [4.1].

Disposal Instructions

Discarded medicine must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste [2.4]. The product and its container must be disposed of in accordance with local, regional, and national hazardous waste regulations and should be delivered to an approved waste disposal plant [2.5].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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