About albendazole
Benzimidazole antiparasitic
Used for
- Treats intestinal worms, including pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm
- Treats certain tissue infections, including neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease
Usual adult dose
Intestinal worms: usually 400 mg once; pinworm treatment is often repeated after two weeks. Tissue infections require longer, specialist-directed courses.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 2 years and older, intestinal worms are usually treated with 400 mg once; pinworm treatment may be repeated after two weeks. Younger children need clinician-directed dosing.
Common side effects
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Temporary hair loss with prolonged treatment
- Liver enzyme changes or reduced blood-cell counts, rarely
Important warnings
- Longer courses may require liver and blood-count monitoring.
- Avoid or seek medical guidance with liver disease or blood disorders.
- Treatment during pregnancy may harm an unborn baby; pregnancy testing may be needed.
- Use caution in young children; dosing depends on age and infection.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy when possible, particularly the first trimester. Longer treatment requires careful medical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Short courses are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; evidence for prolonged treatment is limited.
Interactions
- Dexamethasone, praziquantel, and cimetidine may increase albendazole exposure.
- Theophylline levels may need monitoring during treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.