Albendazole
Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections including neurocysticercosis (brain tissue cysts caused by pork tapeworm), hydatid disease, and common intestinal parasites such as pinworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of drugs and works by inhibiting the formation of parasitic microtubules, effectively starving the worms by disrupting their cellular structure and glucose uptake.
Albendazole is an antiparasitic medication used to treat various worm infections throughout the body.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P02CA03
- RxNorm
- 430
- Generic
- Albendazole
- Class
- atc-p02
- Brands
- Valbazen, Albenza, Albendamax
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 400mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingtemporarily discontinue breastfeeding or avoid
albendazole is excreted in breast milk; decision to discontinue breastfeeding or stop therapy depends on importance of drug to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing
standard pediatric dosing applies; efficacy and safety established for hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis
monitor liver function tests
pediatric_age
children under 2 yearsreduced dose or avoid
use with extreme caution; limited safety data available for children under 2 years
close monitoring of liver function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment, monitor closely
use with caution due to potential decreased hepatic and renal function
monitor liver function tests and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; limited data available for severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution; albendazole is metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks; severe hepatic impairment contraindicated for some indications
frequent liver function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for albendazole
Drug class
ATC classification for albendazole
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for albendazole
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Treats neurocysticercosis (brain cysts from tapeworm larvae), hydatid disease (liver/lung cysts), and intestinal parasitic infections including ascariasis, enterobiasis (pinworm), hookworm, and whipworm infections.
Albendazole inhibits tubulin polymerization, disrupting microtubule formation in parasitic cells. This damages the parasite's structure, impairs glucose absorption, and depletes energy stores, leading to parasite death.
May cause liver enzyme elevations; liver function tests recommended before and during treatment. Should be taken with fatty meals to enhance absorption. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients with known benzimidazole hypersensitivity. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy