Other Brand Names

Albendazole, Zentel, Vermic, Zolkaf.

How It Works

Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of glucose, a primary energy source, and by depleting glycogen stores in parasitic worms. Without sufficient energy, the parasitic worms eventually die.

Indications

Albendazole is used to treat infections caused by a variety of parasitic worms. These include tapeworm infections, hookworm infections, echinococcosis, neurocysticercosis, ascariasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, and giardiasis.

Contraindications

Albendazole should not be used in individuals who have a history of allergic reactions to albendazole or similar medications and pregnant women, unless deemed absolutely necessary.

Side Effects

• Side effects are generally rare but may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, or temporary hair loss. If any of these symptoms persist or get worse, consult your doctor immediately.
• Seek immediate medical attention if any serious side effects occur, such as: severe headache that does not subside, vision problems, jaundice, severe stomach pain, dark urine, unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of infection, such as persistent sore throat, fever, and chills, signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output, confusion, and a very stiff neck.

Types

Albendazole is available in 400 mg chewable tablets/caplets and 200 mg/ml suspension, packaged in 10 ml bottles.

Dosage

Echinococcosis

Adult:

• Body weight <60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses (maximum dose: 800 mg daily).

• Body weight >60 kg: 400 mg twice daily.

Ascariasis, Enterobiasis, Hookworm Infection, Trichuriasis

• Adults: 400 mg as a single dose.

• Children:

  • 1-2 years: 200 mg as a single dose.

  • Over 2 years: Same as adult dose (maximum dose: 200 mg).

Clonorchiasis, Opisthorchiasis

• Adults: 400 mg twice daily for 3 days (maximum dose: 800 mg per day, 1,200 mg for 3 days). Confirm with your doctor after 1 month to check if the worms have been eradicated.

• Children over 2 years: Same as adult dose.

Tapeworm Infection

• Adults: 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days (maximum dose: 400 mg per day, 1,200 mg for 3 days). If recovery does not occur after 3 weeks, a second treatment course is necessary. For Hymenolepis nana infection, a repeat treatment is recommended in 10-21 days.

• Children aged 2 years and over: Same as adult dose.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans

• Adults: 400 mg once daily for 1-3 days (maximum dose: 400 mg per day, 1,200 mg for 3 days).

• Children aged 2 years and over: Same as adult dose.

Safety

• Before using albendazole, inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, bile duct problems (e.g., blockage), blood or bone marrow disorders.

• Albendazole is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Increased albendazole blood levels: When taken with cimetidine, dexamethasone, or praziquantel.

• Decreased albendazole blood levels: When taken with carbamazepine, ritonavir, phenobarbital, or phenytoin.

Looking for more information about other drugs? Click here!