Albendazole is an FDA-approved drug used to treat a variety of parasitic infections. Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug with multiple indications, such as hepatic, pulmonary, and peritoneal cystic hydatid disease caused by the larvae of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Albendazole is also approved for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis secondary to active lesions caused by infection with solium tapeworm larvae.
Albendazole was developed in 1975. It is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.
brand name
Brand names include: Albenza, Alworm, Andazol, Eskzo, Noworm, Zentel, Alben-G, ABZ, Cidillo, Wormnil, and others.
Albendazole is effective in treating:
flatworm
- Fascioliasis
- Cestodes, as an alternative to praziquantel or niclosamide for the treatment of adult beef tapeworms, and as an alternative to praziquantel for the treatment of pork tapeworms. Also used to treat roughheaded caterpillar infections. While praziquantel is generally better at treating tapeworm infections, albendazole is used more frequently in endemic countries because it is cheaper and has a broader spectrum.
- Cysticercosis. Old cysts are unaffected.
- Echinococcus of the liver, lungs, and peritoneum, or of the alveoli when surgical resection is not possible. Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis may require lifelong treatment with albendazole, which only stops the parasites from growing and multiplying, but does not kill them.
Nematodes
- Ascariasis can be cured with a single dose of albendazole.
- Bayascariasis, caused by raccoon roundworms. Good results can be obtained with albendazole if treatment is started within 72 hours of ingesting egg-laden raccoon feces. In cases of eye and central nervous system infections, corticosteroids are sometimes added.
- pinworm infection
- Filariasis; Because albendazole's breakdown of microfilariae can cause an allergic reaction, antihistamines or corticosteroids are sometimes added to treatment. For lymphatic filariasis caused by F. bancroftii or D. malayi, albendazole is sometimes used as an adjunct to ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine to suppress microfilarial blood disease. It may also be used as an adjunct or alternative to diethylcarbamazine in the treatment of filariasis. Albendazole has an embryotoxic effect on loa loa adult worms and slowly reduces microfilariemia.
- Gnathostomiasis caused by the nematode Spinygnathostoma. In these circumstances, albendazole has similar efficacy to ivermectin, but albendazole needs to be administered for 21 days instead of ivermectin for 2 days.
- Archwireemia
- Hookworm infections, including cutaneous larvae migrans caused by hookworms of the genus Ancylostoma. A single dose of albendazole is sufficient to treat intestinal infection with albendazole duodenum or Mystomia americana.
- Intestinal capillary disease, as an alternative to mebendazole
- Mansonellosis is caused by the bacterium Mansoniella persisters. Albendazole is effective against adult worms but not against immature microfilariae.
- Esophagostomiasis caused by bifurcated esophageal nematodes
- Strongyloidiasis, as an alternative to ivermectin or thiabendazole. Albendazole may be taken with diethylcarbamazine to reduce microfilariemia levels.
- Toxocariasis, also known as "visceral larvae migrans," is caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis in dogs or the roundworm Ascaris felis in cats. Corticosteroids may be added in severe cases, and surgery may be required to repair secondary damage.
- Trichinellosis, caused by Trichinella spiralis or Pseudotrichinella spiralis. Albendazole has similar efficacy to thiabendazole but has fewer side effects. It works best when given early, before the adult worms in the intestines produce larvae, which can penetrate muscles and cause a more widespread infection. Corticosteroids are sometimes added to prevent inflammation caused by dead larvae.
- Trichostrongyloidiasis, as an alternative to pyrantel pamoate. A single dose is sufficient for treatment.
- Trichuris, sometimes considered an alternative to mebendazole and sometimes considered the drug of choice. Only a single dose of albendazole is required. May also be taken with ivermectin.
- Giardiasis, as an alternative or adjunct to metronidazole, especially in children
- Microsporidiosis, including ocular microsporidiosis caused by Encephalocystis encephalitis or Microsporidium rabbit when used concomitantly with topical fumagillin
- Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by concomitant use of the amoeba mandrilli with miltefosine and fluconazole
- arthropods
- Crusted scabies, combined with topical crotamiton and salicylic acid
- Head lice infestation, although ivermectin is much better
- Intestinal myiasis
- Although albendazole is effective in treating a variety of diseases, the FDA only approves it for the treatment of hydatid disease, caused by the larvae of the tapeworm tapeworm in dogs, and neurocysticercosis, caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm.
How to use albendazole
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. If you or your child have trouble swallowing tablets, you can crush or chew your dose with water.
For some conditions (such as hydatid disease), your doctor may direct you to take this medication during a treatment cycle (eg, twice daily with food for 28 days, then 2 weeks off). Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. To help you remember, take it at the same time every day. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication during a treatment cycle, it may be helpful to mark and remind you on your calendar when you need to restart the medication.
Even if symptoms go away after a few days, continue taking this medication until the full prescribed dose is taken. Stopping medication too early may cause the infection to return.
Other medications (such as corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications) may also be prescribed depending on your current condition. Take these medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you can do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects from this drug. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details.
If your condition persists or worsens, tell your doctor.
side effect
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, or temporary hair loss may occur. If these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication is prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: persistent severe headache, vision changes, yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection signs of kidney problems (such as persistent sore throat, fever, chills), signs of kidney problems (such as changes in urine output), confusion, stiff neck.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Precaution
Before taking albendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzimidazole anthelmintics (such as mebendazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, bile duct problems (such as obstruction), blood/bone marrow disorders.
This drug may cause liver problems. Because drinking alcohol increases the risk of liver problems, limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using albendazole. Albendazole may harm your unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start taking this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while you are using this medicine and within 3 days after your last dose. If you are pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor right away.
