Albendazole: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Albendazole is a prescription deworming medicine used to treat intestinal worm infections such as roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. Under specialist care it is also used for some tapeworm infections of the brain and organs. It belongs to the anthelmintics. It may harm an unborn baby, so it should be taken only on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Albendazole tablet, Albendazole 400 mg, Zentel, Albenza, Deworming tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Albendazole work?
Albendazole stops worms from taking in sugar (glucose) from their surroundings, so they run out of energy and die. It acts on worms in the gut and, with longer courses, in body tissues.
How to take Albendazole
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Treatment for intestinal worms is usually short, while tapeworm infections of the body need longer courses under a specialist. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Albendazole
Most people take albendazole without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Hair loss with longer courses, which is reversible
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Rash, hives or swelling of the face or throat (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Sore throat, fever or unusual bruising (possible blood changes)
- Seizures or severe headache
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking albendazole, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to albendazole, mebendazole or any ingredient of the tablet
- Pregnancy: it may harm the unborn baby
- Breastfeeding: tell your doctor
- Allergy to albendazole or mebendazole
- Liver disease: blood tests may be needed during long courses
- Neurocysticercosis: an eye exam and other medicines may be needed
Medicines and things that interact with Albendazole
Albendazole can interact with some other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Cimetidine (a stomach acid medicine)
- Other prescription and herbal products: tell your doctor before starting anything new
If someone takes too much
One extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to be serious, but larger amounts can be harmful. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient albendazole is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Check the schedule printed on the pack.
Type of medicine
Albendazole belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Albendazole
These medicines sold in India contain Albendazole. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Zentel 400 · 400 mg verify on pack (chewable tablet)
What is Albendazole used for?
Medicines that contain Albendazole are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Albendazole.
Common questions
What is albendazole used for?
Albendazole is a deworming medicine used on a doctor's advice for intestinal worms such as roundworm, hookworm and whipworm, and under specialist care for some tapeworm infections of the brain and organs.
Can albendazole be taken during pregnancy?
It may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or planning a baby. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose.
Does albendazole work for Strongyloides?
No. The World Health Organization notes albendazole does not work against Strongyloides worms, which need ivermectin. A doctor decides which medicine matches the infection.
Sources
- Albendazole. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Soil-transmitted helminth infections. World Health Organization
- About soil-transmitted helminths. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)
- ATC/DDD Index: P02CA03. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)