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Albendazole Data - Uses, Dosage, Drug class, Brand name, Warnings, etc



Pharmacology Albendazole, a benzimidazole related to mebendazole, inhibits microtubule polymerization in parasites, disrupting their metabolism and reproduction. It has a broader spectrum of activity than mebendazole, effective against various helminths and some protozoa.
Administration and Adult Dosage - PO for hydatid cyst: 400 mg twice daily for 1–6 months
- PO for cysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily for 8–30 days, repeat as needed
- PO for Clonorchis sinensis: 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days
- PO for cutaneous larva migrans: 400 mg/day for 3 days
- PO for capillariasis: 400 mg/day for 10 days
- PO for ascariasis, eosinophilic enterocolitis, hookworm, trichostrongylus, or trichuriasis: 400 mg once
- PO for pinworms: 400 mg once, repeat in 2 weeks
- PO for microsporidiosis: 400 mg twice daily (add fumagillin for ocular infections)
- PO for trichinosis: 400 mg twice daily for 8–14 days
- PO for visceral larva migrans (toxocariasis): 400 mg twice daily for 5 days
Special Populations - Pediatric Dosage Safety and efficacy not established; commonly used as follows:
- PO for hydatid cyst: 15 mg/kg/day (max 800 mg/day) for 1–6 months
- PO for cysticercosis: 15 mg/kg/day (max 800 mg/day) in 2 divided doses for 8–30 days, repeat as needed
- PO for Clonorchis sinensis: 10 mg/kg/day for 7 days
- PO for cutaneous larva migrans: 400 mg/day for 3 days
- PO for capillariasis: 400 mg/day for 10 days
- PO for ascariasis, eosinophilic enterocolitis, hookworm, trichostrongylus, or trichuriasis: 400 mg once
- PO for pinworms: 400 mg once, repeat in 2 weeks
- PO for trichinosis: 400 mg twice daily for 8–14 days
- PO for visceral larva migrans (toxocariasis): 400 mg twice daily for 5 days
Special Populations - Geriatric Dosage Same as adult dosage.
Dosage Forms - Tablet: 200 mg
Patient Instructions - Take with a fatty meal to increase absorption and improve effectiveness
- Report persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unusual symptoms to your physician
Missed Doses - Take missed dose as soon as remembered; if near next dose, take only that dose; do not double dose
Pharmacokinetics - Fate - Absorption: Poor, enhanced by fat; negligible oral bioavailability of unchanged albendazole due to first-pass metabolism to active albendazole sulfoxide
- Peak Levels: Sulfoxide peaks 2–3 hr post-dose
- Distribution: CNS levels ~40% of serum; echinococcal cyst levels ~25% of serum
- Excretion: Primarily urinary as metabolites
Pharmacokinetics - t¹⁄₂ - Albendazole sulfoxide: 10–15 hr
Adverse Reactions & Side Effects Occasional:
- Diarrhea, abdominal pain, migration of roundworms through mouth/nose
Rare:
- Leukopenia, alopecia, increased transaminases
Precautions & Warnings - Use cautiously in pregnancy
- Monitor in patients with liver dysfunction
Drug Interactions - Dexamethasone increases serum albendazole sulfoxide levels by ~50%
Parameters to Monitor - Hepatic transaminases and WBC count during prolonged therapy
Class and Drug Brand Name - Class: Benzimidazole Antiparasitics
- Brand Name: Albenza
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