Albendazole

Albendazole is a anthelmintic (benzimidazole) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Roundworm (Ascaris) infection
• Hookworm and whipworm infection
• Pinworm/threadworm (Enterobius) infection
• Strongyloides and mixed intestinal worm infections
• Giardiasis in children (as advised by a doctor)
• Hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis (specialist use)

For common intestinal worms, the usual dose of Albendazole for adults and children over 2 years is a single 400 mg dose, taken with or without food; chewable tablets should be chewed well. Pinworm infection often needs a repeat dose after 2 weeks, and hookworm or whipworm may need 3 days of treatment as the doctor advises. Children aged 1–2 years are usually given 200 mg — confirm with a doctor. Treat the whole family together, and in line with national deworming guidance, children are routinely dewormed every 6 months. Doses for tissue infections are much higher and must be supervised by a specialist.

With single-dose use, albendazole rarely causes problems. Some people experience mild stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, or dizziness, which settle on their own. When worms die in heavy infections, temporary abdominal discomfort can occur. High-dose, long-term treatment for tissue infections may cause liver enzyme changes, hair thinning, fever, or low blood counts — these patients need regular blood monitoring. Seek medical help for rash, jaundice, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

Deworming works best alongside hygiene: wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet, trim nails, wash vegetables well, and wear sandals outdoors to prevent reinfection. Treat all household members on the same day. Use with caution in liver disease; prolonged courses require liver function and blood count monitoring. Women of childbearing age should ensure they are not pregnant before taking albendazole and avoid pregnancy during and shortly after high-dose treatment.

For routine single-dose deworming, significant drug interactions are uncommon. In prolonged high-dose therapy, dexamethasone, praziquantel, and cimetidine raise albendazole levels, while the anti-epileptics carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital lower them. Grapefruit juice may also increase absorption. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take if you are prescribed a long course of albendazole.

Albendazole must not be taken by people with known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles (such as mebendazole). It is contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly the first trimester. It is generally not given to children under 1 year of age. In known retinal cysticercosis, treatment requires specialist assessment first, as dying parasites can damage the eye.

Pregnancy: Albendazole is contraindicated in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, due to the risk of harm to the developing baby. Women should rule out pregnancy before taking it. Where deworming is needed in pregnancy, health programmes only give it after the first trimester under medical guidance. Lactation: A single dose is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding, but consult your doctor first.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep tablets in the original pack and out of the reach of children. Shake suspensions well before use. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package.