Albendazole

Albendazole is a drug used as the main active component in medicines to treat various worm infections. It is a carbamate ester commonly used in the treatment of parasitic worm infestations. It plays a role of a tubulin modulator, a microtubule-destabilizing agent, and an anthelminthic drug. The component is a benzimidazolylcarbamate fungicide, an aryl sulfide and a member of benzimidazoles.

Class of Drugs – Antihelminthic agent

Molecular Formula – C₁₂H₁₅N₃O₂S

Molecular Weight – 265.33 g/mol

Working

This medication is approved for the treatment of infections caused by worms. The component Albendazole acts by keeping the worm from absorbing sugar so that the worm loses energy and dies.

Uses

It is used to treat parasitic infections. This drug is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm larvae and parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by pork tapeworm larvae.

Albendazole can be used to treat infections caused by other parasites such as Taenia saginata i.e. beef tapeworm, Trichinella spiralis i.e. pork worm, Trichuris trichiura i.e. whipworm, Enterobius vermicularis i.e. pinworm, Strongyloides stercoralis i.e. threadworm, Ascaris lumbricoides i.e. roundworm, Ancylostoma duodenale i.e. hookworm, and Necator americanus.

Popular Brands and Dosages

This medicine is an antihelminthic agent available in a popular brand and in form of chewable format as mentioned below:

• Albenza Chewable: 200 mg and 400 mg

FAQ

What conditions does albendazole treat?