1. Pharmacology

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (anti-worm) agent. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of compounds. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibition of tubulin polymerization, which disrupts microtubule formation in parasitic cells. This leads to impaired glucose uptake and depletion of glycogen stores, ultimately causing the death of the parasite.

Albendazole is metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide, which has systemic anti-parasitic activity.

2. Dosage & Administration

Dosage may vary based on the indication and patient age/weight. Here are common uses:

  • Soil-transmitted helminth infections (e.g., ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm):

    • Adults and children >2 years: 400 mg single dose

    • Children 1–2 years: 200 mg single dose

  • Neurocysticercosis:

    • 15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for 8–30 days

    • Max: 800 mg/day

  • Hydatid disease (Echinococcosis):

    • 10–15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for 28-day cycles with 14-day breaks in between, up to 3 cycles

  • Pinworm (Enterobius):

    • 400 mg single dose (repeat in 2 weeks if necessary)

  • Cutaneous larva migrans:

    • 400 mg once daily for 3 days

Always take with food (especially fatty meals) for better absorption.

3. Drug Interactions

  • Dexamethasone and cimetidine: May increase plasma concentration of albendazole sulfoxide.

  • Praziquantel: Increases albendazole levels.

  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital: May reduce albendazole effectiveness by increasing metabolism.

4. Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles.

  • Patients with hepatic impairment should be treated cautiously.

  • Pregnancy (especially during the 1st trimester).

5. Side Effects

Common:

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

  • Headache, dizziness

  • Elevated liver enzymes

Rare but serious:

  • Bone marrow suppression (especially with prolonged/high-dose use)

  • Aplastic anemia, pancytopenia

  • Hepatotoxicity

  • Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis)

6. Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Pregnancy: Albendazole is contraindicated in the 1st trimester. Animal studies show teratogenic effects.

  • Lactation: Not enough human data. Use caution; breastfeeding should ideally be avoided for at least 5 days after dosing.

7. Precautions & Warnings

  • Perform liver function tests and complete blood counts before and during prolonged therapy.

  • Caution in patients with bone marrow suppression or liver disease.

  • Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

  • Risk of intracranial hypertension with neurocysticercosis—use corticosteroids as adjunct.

8. Overdose Effects

Symptoms may include:

  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

  • Liver dysfunction

  • Bone marrow suppression in severe cases

Treatment: Symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote available.

9. Therapeutic Class

  • Anthelmintics

  • Benzimidazole group

10. Storage Conditions

  • Store at below 30°C.

  • Protect from light and moisture.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

11. Chemical Structure

IUPAC Name:
Methyl 5-(propylthio)-1H-benzimidazol-2-ylcarbamate

Molecular Formula:
C12H15N3O2S

Chemical Structure:

      O
     ||
     C-OCH3
      |
      N
     / \
  __|   |__
 /         \
|    N       |
 \__/ \__/   |
     |   |   |
    S-CH2CH2CH3

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