Albendazole is a medication commonly used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antihelminthics, which work by disrupting the metabolism of the worms and effectively killing or immobilizing them.
 
Common Uses:
Albendazole is primarily used to treat:
1. Tapeworm infections (like neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium).
2. Roundworm infections (including ascariasis).
3. Hookworm and whipworm infections.
4. Giardia and echinococcosis (hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus).
5. It may also be used for treating Strongyloides and other helminths (parasitic worms).
 
How It Works:
Albendazole interferes with the worms’ ability to absorb glucose, leading to a depletion of their energy stores and eventual death. It can also disrupt the microtubules in the parasite, affecting its ability to function and reproduce.
 
Administration:
Typically taken as an oral tablet or suspension.
It's often taken with food to increase absorption.
The dosage depends on the type of infection being treated, and treatment may last for a few days to a few weeks.
 
Side Effects:
Like many medications, albendazole can have side effects, including:
Gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea or abdominal pain).
Headache.
Liver issues, especially in higher doses or prolonged use.
Rarely, it can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to low blood cell counts.
 
Considerations:
Pregnant women (especially in the first trimester) should avoid albendazole, as it can harm a developing fetus.
People with liver issues should be monitored carefully during treatment.
 
The dosing of albendazole depends on the specific parasitic infection being treated. Here’s a general guide for adult and pediatric dosing:
 
1. For Neurocysticercosis (Cysticercosis)
Adults:
15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into two doses.
Children (2 years and older):
Same as adults: 15 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses.
Duration: 8–30 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
 
2. For Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis)
Adults:
10–15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into two doses.
Children:10 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses.
Duration: Typically 28 days or as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The course may be repeated after a break.
 
3. For Roundworm (Ascariasis), Hookworm, Whipworm (Trichuriasis), Pinworm, and Other Intestinal Worm Infections
Adults and Children over 2 years:
400 mg as a single dose.
For severe infestations, the dose may be repeated after 2–3 weeks.
 
4. For Giardiasis (Giardia Infection)
Adults:
400 mg as a single dose.
Children (2 years and older):
200 mg twice daily for 5 days.
 
5. For Strongyloidiasis (Threadworm Infection)
Adults:
400 mg once daily for 3 days.
 
6. For Toxocariasis (Roundworm Infection)
Adults and Children (older than 2 years):
400 mg as a single dose.
 
Pediatric Dosing:
For children under 2 years old, dosing should be done carefully and only under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to potential risks and lack of specific guidelines for younger children.
 
Special Considerations:
Liver Impairment:
Dose adjustment is recommended in cases of liver disease. Regular liver function tests are advised during treatment.
Pregnancy:
Avoid in the first trimester. If necessary, treatment can be given in later stages of pregnancy, but only after evaluating the risks and benefits.
 
Combination Therapy:
In some cases, albendazole might be used with other anti-parasitic drugs, such as praziquantel, depending on the type of infection and the severity.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions for the most appropriate dosage based on your condition.