Albendazole Tablets Uses For Adults: Precautions, Side Effects and Doses
Albendazole tablets are primarily used for the treatment of a wide range of parasitic infections in the human body. It is used to target various intestinal worms, tapeworms, and other types of protozoan infections.
Albendazole 400 mg Tablet Uses
These tablets are anti-worm medications that are used to treat parasitic infections and parasites that live in the intestines and tissues. Some of the parasites that it is effective against are roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. Along with this, it is used to treat the following parasitic infections as well.
Intestinal Worm Infections
Some of the intestinal worm infections that it is used to treat are listed below.
- Ascariasis – Caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. Commonly known as roundworm.
- Enterobiasis (it is commonly known as pinworm) and is caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
- Hookworm Infections – Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus
- Trichuriasis and it itr commonly known as whipworm.
- Strongyloidiasis – Caused by Strongyloides stercoralis
Tapeworm Infections (Cestodes)
Other types of worms, that this medication is used to treat are listed below.
- Neurocysticercosis – Caused by Taenia solium (pork tapeworm larvae in the brain).
- Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis) – Caused by Echinococcus granulosus (dog tapeworm).
Along with these, it is used to treat the following infections as well.
- Giardiasis (off-label use) – Protozoan infection
- Cutaneous Larva Migrans – Skin infection by hookworm larvae
- Filariasis (off-label use) – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi
Albendazole Working and Its Chemical Formulation
The chemical formula of Albendazole is C12H15N3O2S. The medication is a Benzimidazole derivative. This anti-parasitic medication works by interfering with the microtubule formation in parasites. Microtubules are an important part of the cellular structure of parasites and play a key role in the cell functioning of these organisms. This interference ultimately leads to the paralysis and death of the parasite.
This medication is available in two forms. These are:
- Tablets (200 mg, 400 mg)
- Oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL)
Albendazole Mechanism of Action
This medication works in the following three key ways:
- Binding to β-tubulin proteins: Albendazole, by binding to this protein prevents microtubule formation of microtubules. This Disrupts the formation of necessary structures for the cellular functioning of the parasite.
- It disrupts the glucose uptake of the parasite.
- Death of parasite: It does this by starving the parasite of the nutrients it needs to survive.
Due to its ability to starve and disrupt the normal functioning of the parasitic cells, Albendazole is effective against both larval and adult stages of many parasites.
Albendazole 400 mg Tablets Dosage
While the dosage depends on various factors, there are some recommended doses.
| Condition | Dosage For Adults | Dosage For Children |
| Ascariasis, Hookworm, Pinworm | 400mg once | 400mg once for children over 2 years of age |
| Strongyloidiasis, Trichuriasis | 400 mg once daily for 3 days | 400 mg once daily for 3 days |
| Neurocysticercosis | 15 mg/kg/day (max 800 mg) for 8–30 days | 15 mg/kg/day (max 800 mg) for 8–30 days |
| Hydatid Disease | 400 mg twice daily for 28 days (repeat cycle) | 15 mg/kg/day for 28 days |
Tips For Administration of Albendazole Tablets
It is suggested that this medication be taken with fatty foods for better absorption of the medication. For children, it can be used in chewable or crushed form. In certain conditions such as neurocysticercosis, steroids, and anticonvulsants may be required to manage brain inflammation.
Side Effects Of Albendazole Tablets
Albendazole is usually well-tolerated by individuals. However, some people can experience some common side effects. These are –
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Temporary hair loss
Severe Side Effects Of Albendazole Tablets
While rare, some of the serious side effects include –
- Liver toxicity: Long-term use needs to be monitored as it can lead to liver enzymes.
- It can lead to low WBC count and anemia.
- It can lead to allergic reactions such as itching or swelling.
- In some cases, it can lead to seizures as well.
Precautions of Albendazole 400 mg Tablets
This medication should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy due to teratogenic risks. Further, in case a patient is taking this medication for long term, regular blood tests and liver function tests should be done. Avoid driving, and patients with liver problems should not take it without consulting the doctor. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult a doctor before use although it does not affect the child.
Albendazole Tablets Storage
This medication should be stored in a cool dry place and away from sunlight and reach of children. Further, In case there are any recommendations about storage, please follow them.
Drug Interactions of Albendazole Tablets
There are a few medications with which this medication interacts.
| Interacting Drug | Effect |
| Cimetidine, Dexamethasone, Ritonavir | Increases albendazole concentration |
| Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital | Reduces effectiveness |
| Praziquantel | May increase albendazole levels |
| Theophylline | Albendazole may increase toxicity risk |
Albendazole Tablet With Other Alternatives
| Drug | Mechanism | Uses | Dosages | Side Effects |
| Albendazole | Microtubule inhibition | Broad-spectrum (worms, tapeworms) | 400 mg single/multiple doses | GI issues, liver effects |
| Mebendazole | Microtubule inhibition | Broad-spectrum (worms, tapeworms) | 100 mg BID for 3 days | GI issues, rare hepatoxicity |
| Ivermectin | Binds glutamate-gated chloride channels | Strongyloidiasis, filariasis | The dosing is different for adults and children. It further depends upon the type of parasite being targeted. | Neurotoxicity, dizziness |
| Praziquantel | Increases calcium permeability | Schistosomiasis, tapeworms | 40 mg/kg divided doses | Dizziness, GI discomfort |
Albendazole Brands and Availability
Albendazole is available under various brand names globally. Some of them are:
- Zentel (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Albenza (USA)
- Eskazole
- Valbazen (Veterinary use)
In some countries, it is available as over-the-counter medication while there are other places where consultation with a doctor is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can albendazole 400 mg teblets be taken on an empty stomach?
Ans. It depends. For intestinal infections, it can be taken on an empty stomach. However, for tissue infections it should be taken with a meal to improve adsorption.
Q2. Can I take alcohol with albendazole?
Ans. No, as it can increase liver toxicity.
Q3. How often should I deworm with albendazole?
Ans. If you live in an area with higher risks of getting worm and parasite infections, it is recommended to deworm every 6 months.
Q4. What happens if I miss a dose of Albendazole 400 mg Tablets?
Ans. Take it as soon as you remember it. However, don’t double the dose.
Disclaimer
We are not any professional experts in the medical field and we write all the information after researching on the internet. The motive of this blog is to provide information about this medicine. Before taking any action regarding the use of Albendazole 400 mg Tablets, please consult and seek guidance from a qualified doctor. Do not rely solely on the information provided here.
