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Albendazole is a prescription drug that is used in case of a parasitic infection. Albendazole is effective against tapeworm, human roundworm, pinworms and hookworm. It is a drug that can be used in children, but pregnant women should avoid it. How does Albendazole work and how to properly dose this drug?
Albendazole – drug characteristics
Albendazole is an antiparasitic drug that exhibits a broad spectrum of activity. Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative that is effective against parasitic roundworm and some flatworm infections. Albendazole works not only on adult parasites, but also on larvae and eggs. Albendazole is a prescription drug that can be purchased in Polish pharmacies under the name Zentel. This preparation can be taken as oral tablets or a suspension.
Albendazole – mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of albendazole is based on the irreversible disturbance of glucose absorption by parasites and, consequently, their digestive functions. The growing lack of energetic compounds causes the death of the parasite. Albendazole is a drug that acts against parasites such as human pinworm, human whipworm, human roundworm, duodenal hookworm, American hookworm, intestinal nematode and some tapeworms. Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so the drug should be taken with a meal, which significantly increases its absorption. Albendazole is excreted from the human body through urine and bile.
Albendazole – indications for use
Albendazole is a popular antiparasitic drug. Its popularity is due to its high and proven effectiveness. The indication for the use of albendazole is the occurrence of a parasitic infection:
- human pinworm;
- human hairworm;
- Human worm;
- duodenal and american hookworm;
- intestinal nematode;
- some tapeworms.
Albendazole – contraindications
Pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of albendazole, as the drug may harm the fetus. Additionally, women of childbearing age should only take this medicine for up to seven days after the onset of menstruation. Albendazole cannot be used by people who are allergic to any of the ingredients of this preparation. The use of albendazole may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash, itching and erythema multiforme.
Albendazole – how to dose?
The dosage of albendazole depends on the type of parasitic infection. In the case of infection with pinworm, whipworm, roundworm or hookworm, a single dose of the drug is taken, i.e. 400 mg. Infection with intestinal nematodes or tapeworm disease requires a triple dose, which is administered for the next 3 days. If the treatment does not bring the expected results, the treatment can be repeated 3 weeks after the first use of the drug. Children are given smaller doses. In the case of cysticercosis, 15 mg of albendazole per 1 kg of body weight per day is administered, and in the case of infection with intestinal nematodes, one dose of 400 mg is allowed.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.