Albendazole is used in the treatment of single or mixed infections caused by:

• Hookworm (Ancylostoma, Necator)
• Roundworm (Ascaris)
• Threadworm (Enterobius)
• Whipworm (Trichuris)
• Strongyloides
• Tapeworm
• Opisthorchis
• Hydatid disease

Albendazole is a benzimidazole class anthelmintic effective against most nematodes and some cestodes. It is commonly used for intestinal worm infections and, at higher doses, for hydatid disease. It works by exhibiting vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal actions. Its primary mechanism involves inhibition of tubulin polymerization, leading to disruption of microtubule formation in parasite cells.

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic with vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal properties. It acts by inhibiting glucose uptake in parasites, leading to depletion of energy and eventual death. The drug also interferes with tubulin polymerization in parasites. Albendazole is extensively metabolized in the liver and has poor gastrointestinal absorption, undergoing significant first-pass metabolism. Its main active metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, has a plasma half-life of approximately 8.5 hours and is excreted in urine along with other metabolites.

Adults & children over 2 years:

• 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
• In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) daily should be given for 3 consecutive days. If the patient is not cured on follow-up after three weeks, a second course of treatment is indicated.

Children of 1–2 years: Recommended dose is a single dose of 200 mg (5 ml suspension).

Children under 1 year: Not recommended.

In Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis):

• Albendazole is given by mouth with meals in a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days for patients weighing over 60 kg.
• A dose of 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses (to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) is used for patients weighing less than 60 kg.
• For cystic echinococcosis, the 28 days course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment, to a total of 3 treatment cycles.
• For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment, may need to continue for months or years.
• In giardiasis, 400 mg (1 tablet or 10 ml suspension) once daily for five days is used.

No clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions with Albendazole have been reported.

Neonates: Albendazole is generally not recommended for use in newborns.

Children: Dose reduction from 400 mg to 200 mg may be considered in children weighing less than 10 kg, although routine dose reduction is not generally required.

Pregnant women: Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy or in women suspected to be pregnant. There is no adequate data regarding placental transfer.

Concurrent disease: No dosage adjustment is typically required in patients with renal, hepatic, or cardiac impairment.

Reported side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, elevated liver enzymes, and rarely reversible hair loss. Other effects may include rash, fever, blood disorders (such as leucopenia and pancytopenia), allergic reactions including shock (especially if cyst rupture occurs), as well as convulsions and meningitis in cerebral involvement.

Albendazole is classified as US FDA Pregnancy Category C. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Blood counts and liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment and monitored during therapy. Pregnancy should be ruled out before initiation. Albendazole should be used with caution in the treatment of echinococcosis, ensuring proper medical supervision and regular monitoring of liver enzymes.

Anthelmintic.

Store in a dry place, protected from heat and light. Keep out of reach of children.