Albendazole Tablet, Film Coated

Medical uses[edit]
Albendazole is an effective treatment for:FlatwormsFasciolosis[3]Cestodes (tapeworms), as an alternative to praziquantel or niclosamide for adult beef tapeworms () and as an alternative to praziquantel for pork tapeworms ().[9] It is also given for infections by .[10] Though praziquantel is often better at treating tapeworm infections, albendazole is used more often in endemic countries due to being cheaper and having a broader spectrum.[11]Cysticercosis[12] (especially neurocysticercosis), which is caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm[3] (i.e. albendazole is the drug of choice for larval pork tapeworms, but not adult pork tapeworms).[9] Old cysts are not affected.[11]Hydatic disease (aka echinococcosis)[12][13] of the liver, lung, and peritoneum (caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, ) or of the alveoli (caused by ) when surgical excision is not possible.[3] Some suggest that alveolar and cystic echinococcosis require lifelong treatment with albendazole, which only prevents the parasites from growing and reproducing rather than killing them outright.[14]NematodesAscariasis, which can be cured with a single dose of albendazole.[15][16]Baylisascariasis, caused by the raccoon roundworm. Corticosteroids are sometimes added in cases of eye and CNS infections.[3]Enterobiasis (pinworm infection)[15]Filariasis; since albendazole's disintegration of the microfilarie ("pre-larva") can cause an allergic reaction, antihistamines or corticosteroids are sometimes added to treatment. In cases of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) caused by or , albendazole is sometimes given as an adjunct to ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine in order to suppress microfilaremia. It can also be given for filariasis as an adjunct or replacement to diethylcarbamazine.[3][11] Albendazole has an embryotoxic effect on adults and thus slowly reduces microfilaremia.[16]Gnathostomiasis when caused by [3] Albendazole has a similar effectiveness to ivermectin in these cases, though it needs to be given for 21 days rather than the 2 days needed for ivermectin.[14]Gongylonemiasis[3]Hookworm infections,[15] including cutaneous larva migrans caused by hookworms in the genus . A single dose of albendazole is sufficient to treat intestinal infestations by or [3][16]Intestinal capillariasis,[15] as an alternative to mebendazole[3]Mansonelliasis when caused by . Albendazole works against the adult worms but not against the younger microfilariae.[14]Oesophagostomumiasis, when caused by [3]Strongyloidiasis,[15] as an alternative to ivermectin or thiabendazole[3][17] Albendazole can be given with diethylcarbamazine to lower microfilaremia levels.[16]Toxocariasis, also called "visceral larva migrans", when caused by the dog roundworm or cat roundworm . Corticosteroids can be added in severe cases, and surgery might be required to repair secondary damage.[3]Trichinosis, when caused by [9] or . Albendazole has a similar efficacy to thiabendazole, but fewer side effects.[14] It works best when given early, acting on the adult worms in the intestine before they generate larva that can penetrate the muscle and cause a more widespread infection. Corticosteroids are sometimes added on to prevent inflammation caused by dying larva.[11]Trichostrongyliasis, as an alternative to pyrantel pamoate.[3][15] A single dose is sufficient for treatment.[11]Trichuriasis (whipworm infection),[15] sometimes considered as an alternative to mebendazole[3][9] and sometimes considered to be the drug of choice. only a single dose of albendazole is needed.[16] It can also be given with ivermectin.[18]Giardiasis, as an alternative or adjunct to metronidazole, especially in children[3][19]Microsporidiosis, including ocular microsporidiosis caused by or , when combined with topical fumagillin[3][19]Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, when caused by the ameba , in combination with miltefosine and fluconazole[10]ArthropodsCrusted scabies, when combined with topical crotamiton and salicylic acid[10]Head lice infestation, though ivermectin is much better[10]Intestinal myiasis[20]