Albendazole serves as an anthelmintic and is consequently used for worm infections. By taking it, worms are killed in the intestine and deworming is achieved. Albendazole should not be taken during pregnancy.
What is albendazole?
Albendazole is counted among the anthelmintics. These are medications used to treat worm infections. Albendazole is counted among the anthelmintics. These are drugs that are used to treat worm infections. In addition, albendazole can also be used for protozoan infestations. Pure albendazole is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is odorless. Since albendazole is lipophilic (fat-loving), it can hardly be dissolved in water. It is also sparingly soluble in organic solvents. Instead, albendazole can be dissolved in alcohol. Chemically, it is classified as a benzimidazole carbamate. It is available only on a doctor’s prescription.
Pharmacologic action
Albendazole enters the human bloodstream only in small amounts. The amounts present in the blood after ingestion of albendazole are rapidly broken down in the liver. The residual amount of albendazole that enters the body is responsible for the possible side effects listed below. Mainly, albendazole affects the metabolism of worms and protozoa that have infested the body. Albendazole, on the one hand, inhibits the assembly of microtubules in the cells of worms. These are protein constructions that stabilize the cells. They are built from beta-tubulin. Human cells also contain microtubules. However, the binding affinity of albendazole for the beta-tubulin of worms is greater than the binding affinity to the beta-tubulin produced by human cells. Second, albendazole inhibits, i.e. impedes, the uptake of sugars. The worm, thus weakened and hindered in its food intake, dies and is eventually excreted during defecation. Albendazole also acts against the larval stages and eggs of the worms. Therefore, complete deworming is achieved when treated with albendazole.
Medicinal use and application
Albendazole is taken orally in the form of tablets. Albendazole should be taken at the same time as food is consumed, as the effect of albendazole is increased by fat present in food. The dosage is given according to the instructions of the attending physician. Albendazole is used for different types of worms in the body. Treatment with albendazole is indicated when there is an infection with one or more of the following threadworms: hookworms (Ankylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus), pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), whipworms (Trichuris trichjura), roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), and/or dwarf threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis). Treatment with albendazole is also indicated if there is an infestation with the Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis), a sucker worm, or the sucker worm Opisthorchis viverrini. Albendazole is only used for infestations with tapeworms if there is also an infestation with threadworms. Albendazole can thus be used in the context of multiple parasitosis against the following tapeworms:
Porcine tapeworm (Taenia solium), Bovine tapeworm (Taenia saginata), and Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepsis nana). In addition, albendazole may also be used for Giardia lamblia infection. However, albendazole should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Albendazole is also not suitable for children younger than six years of age. Albendazole may be prescribed together with the worming drug praziquantel because the interaction between the two drugs increases the effect of albendazole.
Risks and side effects
Side effects may occur with the use of albendazole, as with any other drug. Occasionally, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness occur after taking albendazole. Furthermore, hair loss, fever and nosebleeds may occasionally occur. A decrease in white blood cells and a change in liver tissue may also occasionally be observed. More rarely, anemia may occur. Very rarely, albendazole affects the skin. In such cases itching, wheal formation and skin rash occur.Due to the possible effect on blood cells and liver tissue, blood count and liver values must be checked with each treatment. The control should be carried out at regular intervals. This is especially true with prolonged use of albendazole.
