How Albendazole Works for Helminthiasis

Key points

Albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole class of anthelmintics.
Onset is 1 to 3 days, with duration varying by indication.
A fatty meal improves absorption, which helps albendazole enter cysts within organs or the brain.

What albendazole is used for

Albendazole is used in helminthiasis, giardiasis and parasitic worm infection. It treats common intestinal worms, including hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and pinworm. It is also used for tissue infections such as hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis, where larvae can form cysts within organs or the brain. Giardiasis is one of the protozoal conditions treated with albendazole. These uses bring together intestinal worm infections and infections that involve cysts in other tissues.

How albendazole works

Albendazole acts on susceptible parasites. It causes selective degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules in parasitic cells. This inhibits glucose uptake and depletes glycogen stores. The parasite is left without the energy it needs to survive and reproduce. After it is taken, albendazole is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed to tissues in the body. That distribution is relevant to tissue infections as well as intestinal ones. The medicine’s effect follows this action on the parasite’s cells, and the parasite is eventually cleared.

Albenza tablets

Albenza is a 400 mg tablet containing albendazole: Albenza. The tablet is the dosage form and 400 mg the strength. Tablets are the usual form in which albendazole is presented. Albendazole is made in multiple brands and generic forms. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Who should not take albendazole

Albendazole is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to albendazole and during pregnancy. Do not take it during pregnancy. Effective contraception is required while it is used. Anyone who is breastfeeding should confirm suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use. Long-term treatment requires monitoring of liver function. Use with caution in children. These checks matter because pregnancy and liver function are both precautions for this medicine. Hypersensitivity is the other contraindication. A clinician can decide whether treatment is appropriate.

Side effects and interactions

Minor reactions include nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness. Moderate reactions include elevated liver enzymes, alopecia and fever. Leukopenia and pancytopenia are serious and require immediate medical attention.

Albendazole interacts with cimetidine and dexamethasone. A full medication history should be disclosed to a clinician or pharmacist before treatment starts. This allows possible interactions to be checked.

Medicine containing Albendazole

Albenza