Albendazole

Products

Albendazole is commercially available as chewable tablets and as a suspension (zentel). It was approved in many countries in 1993.

Structure and properties

Albendazole (C12H15N3O2S, Mr = 265.3 g/mol) exists as a white to slightly yellowish powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a benzimidazole derivative and is completely biotransformed after absorption. The sulfoxide metabolite is considered to be mainly pharmacologically active and may also be formed in parasites.

Effects

Albendazole (ATC P02CA03) has anthelmintic, vermistatic, vermicidal, and ovicidal properties. It is intestinally and systemically active. Albendazole inhibits tubulin polymerization in the intestine of worms, leading to an interruption of glucose uptake and digestive functions. This promotes autolytic processes.

Indications

Worm infections: Nematodes:

  • Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides).
  • Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
  • Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
  • Dwarf nematode (Strongyloides stercoralis)
  • Hookworms (Ankylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus), Larva migrans cutanea.

Suckworms:

  • Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis).
  • Opisthorchis viverrini

Tapeworms, if they occur in the context of multiple parasitosis with nematodes. Albendazole should not be used in cases of exclusive infestation with tapeworms, but only if there is a simultaneous infection with nematodes in addition to the tapeworm infestation.

  • Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).
  • Bovine tapeworm (Taenia saginata)
  • Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana)

Protozoan infections:

  • Giardia lamblia in children aged 2-12 years.

Dosage

According to the professional information. Bioavailability is increased by concomitant intake of food.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy must be ruled out in women of childbearing age.

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Praziquantel, cimetidine, and dexamethasone may increase levels of the albendazole metabolite and increase adverse effects.

Adverse effects

Occasional headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Hypersensitivity reactions, elevation of liver enzyme levels, and severe skin reactions are rare.