Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic medication that is a common ingredient in many deworming medications, including Panacur and Safe-Guard. Fenbendazole treats several types of intestinal parasites in dogs, cats, horses and other species. The medication acts by binding to beta-tubulin in microtubules and disrupting their formation, thereby stopping the parasite’s ability to produce energy, starving it to death. It also kills the immature forms of some parasites, such as eggs or larvae.

The medication is administered orally in granule form and mixed with food. It is most commonly used to treat gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and taenia tapeworms. It is often combined with other anthelmintics to treat multiple parasites, or given alone in cases where only one type of worm is present. Fenbendazole is also sometimes prescribed to treat Giardia in dogs, although this use is considered off-label.

In cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, the medication is effective in treating infestations of the gastrointestinal tract with nematodes (Hyostrongylus rubidus, Ostertagia vitulorum, Nematodirus heiferianus) as well as lungworms (Metastrongylus apri, Metastrongylus pudendotectus). It can also be used to treat parasites of the mouth (Oesophagostomum dentatum, Oesophagostomum quadrispinulatum, Trichostrongylus vitulorum and Trichuris suis).

Veterinarians can legally prescribe medications for species outside of their area of expertise, even though the use isn’t specifically described on the drug’s label. However, the veterinarian’s reasoning for prescribing the medication is important in case you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health. This content has been written and reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it shouldn’t take the place of consulting your veterinarian.  fenbendazole powder