Albenza: Effective Treatment for Parasitic Worm Infections
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Synonyms | |||
Albenza (albendazole) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic medication prescribed for the treatment of various parasitic infections. As a benzimidazole carbamate derivative, it works by inhibiting tubulin polymerization, leading to impaired glucose uptake and energy depletion in helminths, ultimately causing parasite death. This medication is particularly valued in clinical practice for its efficacy against both tissue and intestinal helminth infections, including neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease. Proper diagnosis and medical supervision are essential to ensure appropriate use and maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
Features
- Active ingredient: Albendazole 200 mg or 400 mg tablets
- Mechanism: Inhibits tubulin polymerization, disrupting parasite microtubule formation
- Broad-spectrum activity against nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes
- High bioavailability when administered with fatty meals
- Metabolized in liver to active sulfoxide metabolite
- Available by prescription only
Benefits
- Effectively eliminates parasitic worms from the body
- Reduces risk of complications from tissue-invasive parasites
- Helps prevent parasite transmission to others
- Can be used in both children and adults (with weight-based dosing)
- Single-dose regimen effective for some intestinal parasites
- Cost-effective treatment for endemic areas
Common use
Albenza is primarily indicated for the treatment of neurocysticercosis caused by larval forms of Taenia solium and for cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It is also used off-label for other parasitic infections including ascariasis, hookworm infections, enterobiasis, strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis, and opisthorchiasis. The medication may be prescribed as mass chemotherapy in endemic areas for soil-transmitted helminth infections.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies significantly based on the specific infection being treated:
Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily with meals for 8-30 days Hydatid disease: 400 mg twice daily with meals for 28-day cycles followed by 14-day drug-free intervals Intestinal parasites: Single 400 mg dose (adults) or weight-based dosing for children
Administration with a fatty meal increases bioavailability approximately 5-fold. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve earlier.
Precautions
- Monitor complete blood count before and during treatment
- Liver function tests recommended before and during therapy
- Pregnancy should be excluded before initiation (Category C)
- Effective contraception required during and for one month after treatment
- May cause dizziness or vertex - use caution when operating machinery
- Not recommended for children under 1 year old
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to albendazole, benzimidazoles, or any component
- Pregnancy (except for life-threatening parasitic infection)
- Breastfeeding (consider discontinuing nursing during treatment)
- History of bone marrow suppression
- Retinal lesions due to active disease
Possible side effect
Common (≥1%):
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea/vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Reversible alopecia
- Increased liver enzymes
Less common:
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Fever
- Rash
- Elevated intracranial pressure in neurocysticercosis
Drug interaction
- Dexamethasone: May increase albendazole sulfoxide levels
- Cimetidine: Increases albendazole bioavailability
- Praziquantel: Increases plasma levels of albendazole sulfoxide
- Theophylline: Albendazole may decrease theophylline levels
- Oral anticoagulants: Monitor coagulation parameters
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain consistent timing for optimal therapeutic levels.
Overdose
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or headache. In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Gastric lavage may be considered if administered soon after ingestion. Supportive care should be provided with monitoring of hematological and hepatic parameters. There is no specific antidote for albendazole overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F) in a dry place protected from light. Keep in original container with lid tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. Do not transfer tablets to other containers.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician based on individual patient factors. The manufacturer’s prescribing information should be consulted for complete details.
Reviews
“Albenza has been transformative in our tropical medicine practice. Its broad-spectrum activity makes it invaluable for managing multiple parasitic infections, particularly in endemic regions. The need for fatty food administration is a practical consideration we emphasize to patients.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience
“In my pediatric gastroenterology practice, Albenza has proven effective for intestinal helminth infections with generally good tolerance. The weight-based dosing allows for appropriate pediatric use, though monitoring is essential.” - Pediatric Gastroenterologist
“While highly effective, the potential for hematological and hepatic adverse effects requires careful patient selection and monitoring. The drug interaction profile necessitates thorough medication review before prescription.” - Clinical Pharmacist