Albendazole: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Albendazole is an anthelmintic medicine, meaning it treats infections caused by parasitic worms, including neurocysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm larvae in the brain. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is also indicated for cystic hydatid disease caused by dog tapeworm larvae; treatment involves monitoring of blood counts and liver function.

Albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole group of anthelmintic medicines. These medicines interfere with tiny structures inside parasite cells called microtubules, which help the cells function normally.

This disrupts the parasite's ability to absorb and use nutrients, including glucose, reducing its energy supply and leading to its death. When parasites die within brain tissue, the resulting inflammatory reaction can cause neurological symptoms, which explains why additional treatment may be needed during therapy for neurocysticercosis.

Albendazole is indicated for parenchymal neurocysticercosis, an infection involving brain tissue caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The indication concerns active lesions caused by these larvae. It is also indicated for cystic hydatid disease affecting the liver, lungs or peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.

This disease is caused by larval forms of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. These are tissue infections, rather than simply worms living in the bowel.

The label lists 200 mg oral tablets, including film-coated tablets. The label lists 400 mg twice daily with meals for patients weighing 60 kg or greater. The label lists 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses twice daily with meals for patients weighing less than 60 kg, with a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg.

The label lists a 28-day treatment cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval for hydatid disease, for a total of 3 cycles. The label lists treatment lasting 8 to 30 days for neurocysticercosis. Treatment duration depends on the condition being treated.

The label allows tablets to be crushed or chewed and swallowed with water. Blood counts and liver enzymes require monitoring before and during treatment. Appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy may also be required during treatment for neurocysticercosis, and pregnancy testing is recommended before therapy for women who could become pregnant.

The label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C. Keep the tablets out of the sight and reach of children and follow the storage directions on the dispensing label to maintain quality.

A missed dose can interrupt the prescribed treatment schedule. General pharmacy advice is to resume the scheduled dose when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due; in that situation, the missed dose is omitted.

Doses should not be doubled to compensate. A pharmacist or prescriber can clarify how an interruption affects a treatment cycle.

Albendazole may cause fetal harm based on animal studies. Limited published human data have not identified drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Pregnancy testing is recommended before treatment, with effective contraception during treatment and for 3 days after the final dose.

Albendazole and its active metabolite have been reported at low concentrations in human breast milk. There are no reports of adverse effects in breastfed infants and no information on effects on milk production. Breastfeeding benefits should be considered alongside the mother's treatment needs and potential risks.