Triclabendazole inhibits succinate dehydrogenase in vitro

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH, complex II), is essential for mitochondrial respiration. This study shows that triclabendazole and its primary metabolites inhibit SDH activity in mitochondria of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, while other tested benzimidazoles do not. Further analyses revealed that triclabendazole and metabolites also inhibit SDH in mitochondria of additional helminths (trematodes, nematodes) and mammalian cells. These findings indicate a shared mode of action and highlight potential safety risks associated with long-term triclabendazole treatment in mammals.