About albendazole
Benzimidazole antiparasitic
Used for
- Treats intestinal worm infections, including roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, and whipworm.
- Treats certain tapeworm infections, including neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease.
Usual adult dose
Common intestinal infections: 400 mg once; pinworm treatment may be repeated after two weeks. Other infections need longer, condition-specific courses.
Usual dose in children
Children aged 2 years and older commonly receive 400 mg once for intestinal worms. Children under 2 require clinician-directed dosing.
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Temporary hair loss with longer treatment
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Longer courses can harm the liver or lower blood-cell counts; monitoring may be needed.
- Avoid during pregnancy; pregnancy testing and contraception may be recommended during treatment.
- Use caution with liver disease or blood disorders.
- For brain tapeworm infection, seizures or raised pressure may require additional treatment.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby, particularly early in pregnancy. Avoid during pregnancy unless a clinician determines treatment is necessary.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may pass into breast milk. A single dose is generally considered compatible; ask a clinician about longer courses.
Interactions
- Dexamethasone, praziquantel, or cimetidine can increase albendazole's active metabolite.
- Theophylline levels may rise; monitoring may be needed 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.