About albendazo le
Anthelmintic (benzimidazole)
Used for
- Treats intestinal worm infections, including pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.
- Treats certain tapeworm infections, including neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, under specialist care.
Usual adult dose
Intestinal worms: commonly 400 mg once; some infections need a repeat dose or longer treatment. Specialist regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
Children aged 2 years and older: commonly 400 mg once for intestinal worms; some infections need repeat or longer treatment. Dosing may vary by age and infection.
Common side effects
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Raised liver enzymes
- With prolonged treatment: reduced blood-cell counts or hair loss
Important warnings
- Longer courses may require blood-count and liver-function monitoring.
- Avoid or use only with specialist guidance in liver disease or blood disorders.
- Treatment for neurocysticercosis can cause brain inflammation; specialist monitoring is required.
- Follow local guidance for children under 2 years.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy when possible, especially during the first trimester; treatment timing depends on infection and local guidance.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; short courses are generally considered compatible, but longer treatment needs clinician review.
Interactions
- Dexamethasone, praziquantel, or cimetidine may 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.