Albendazole 400mg Tablet

Albendazole is used for several parasitic worm infections, but the approved indications differ by country and formulation.

• Soil-transmitted helminths — established public-health use: WHO recommends a 400 mg albendazole dose for control of infections caused by common soil-transmitted worms such as roundworm, hookworm and whipworm.

• Neurocysticercosis: U.S. labeling covers parenchymal infection caused by larval Taenia solium.

• Cystic hydatid disease: U.S. labeling covers cystic disease of the liver, lung and peritoneum caused by Echinococcus granulosus.

• Other intestinal worm infections: treatment may be included in local guidelines or product labeling; confirm the indication rather than assuming the same regimen applies to every parasite.

Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic. It interferes with essential processes in susceptible parasitic worms, impairing their ability to maintain normal cellular function and obtain nutrients.

For uncomplicated worm infections, treatment may be relatively short, whereas tissue infections such as neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease can require substantially longer, medically supervised courses. Current U.S. labeling specifies 8–30 days for neurocysticercosis and repeated 28-day treatment cycles for hydatid disease.

Because treatment duration varies greatly, a 400 mg tablet should not automatically be interpreted as a one-time treatment for every worm infection.

Albendazole dosing must be selected according to the diagnosed infection rather than simply the tablet strength.

Treatment situation	General verified guidance
WHO soil-transmitted helminth control	Albendazole 400 mg is a recommended treatment dose in appropriate public-health programs.
U.S. neurocysticercosis	60 kg or more: 400 mg twice daily; under 60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided twice daily, maximum 800 mg/day.
U.S. hydatid disease	60 kg or more: 400 mg twice daily; under 60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided twice daily, maximum 800 mg/day.
Administration for U.S. labeled indications	Take with food.

These are general label or guideline references, not an individualized prescription. The appropriate regimen depends on the parasite, age, weight, organ function and local clinical guidance.

Common or clinically recognized effects can include:

• Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting

• Headache or dizziness

• Temporary increases in liver enzymes

• Fever or other symptoms depending on the infection being treated

• With prolonged or intensive treatment, liver toxicity and bone-marrow suppression require particular attention.

Longer treatment courses require more monitoring than a simple deworming regimen. Current U.S. labeling recommends blood-count and liver-enzyme monitoring during prolonged therapy.

For the U.S.-labeled indications, albendazole tablets should be taken with food. Some tablets may be crushed or chewed according to the specific product labeling, but the instructions on the supplied formulation should take priority.

Important interaction considerations include:

• Dexamethasone can increase exposure to the active albendazole metabolite.

• Praziquantel can increase albendazole-sulfoxide exposure when taken with food.

• Cimetidine can increase albendazole-sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cyst fluid.

• Theophylline monitoring may be appropriate during and after treatment because albendazole can affect CYP1A activity.

Do not combine antiparasitic medicines or repeat albendazole treatment without appropriate medical advice.

Albendazole should be used according to the diagnosed infection and the applicable product label. Do not assume that the commonly used 400 mg tablet is appropriate as a single dose for every parasite. Treatment for tissue infections can require prolonged therapy and medical monitoring.

People with a known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole compounds should not use it. Prolonged treatment can cause bone-marrow suppression and liver injury; blood counts and liver-function tests are recommended during intensive courses.

Albendazole may cause fetal harm. People who can become pregnant should discuss pregnancy status and contraception with their healthcare professional before treatment, particularly when prolonged therapy is planned.

Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis require special supervision because neurological symptoms, seizures or increased intracranial pressure can occur after treatment begins. Retinal involvement should also be assessed before treatment for neurocysticercosis.

Seek medical attention for severe abdominal symptoms, jaundice, unusual bruising or infection, significant neurological symptoms, seizures, or an allergic reaction.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional.