ALBENCARE TABLETS 2500MG
ALBENAZOLE
What it does
Albendazole is a medicine used to treat infections caused by certain types of worms.
Commonly used for: worm infections (helminthiasis), neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:37:09 · updated 2026-10-20 04:00:03
About this medicine
Albendazole is a medicine used to treat infections caused by certain types of worms.
What it treats
- worm infections (helminthiasis)
- neurocysticercosis
- hydatid disease
How it works
Albendazole works by killing the worms and preventing them from growing and multiplying in the body.
Who it's for
This medication is for people diagnosed with specific parasitic worm infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: albenazole
Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication commonly used to treat various parasitic worm infections. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of drugs and is effective against a broad spectrum of helminths, including nematodes and cestodes. Its use is particularly important in the management of conditions such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease.
Indications
- Neurocysticercosis
- Hydatid disease
- Ascariasis
- Enterobiasis (pinworm infection)
- Trichuriasis
- Hookworm infections
- Strongyloidiasis
- Taeniasis
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing information as it varies based on the condition being treated.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing information as it varies based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Albendazole exerts its anthelmintic effects primarily by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin into microtubules, which disrupts the cytoplasmic transport and leads to the depletion of glucose and other essential metabolites in the parasites. This ultimately results in their death.
Pharmacodynamics
The drug displays a concentration-dependent activity against a variety of parasitic worms. Albendazole is effective in inhibiting the growth and reproduction of helminths, leading to their elimination from the host. Resistance may develop in some parasites, particularly with prolonged use.
Pharmacokinetics
Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; however, it is rapidly metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide. The bioavailability can be significantly enhanced when administered with fatty meals. The drug has a volume of distribution of approximately 100 L, and its elimination half-life is around 8 to 12 hours. It is excreted primarily in urine as metabolites.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to albendazole or any excipients
- Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)
Adverse effects
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Alopecia
Interactions
- Cimetidine may increase plasma concentrations of albendazole
- Drugs that affect liver enzymes (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) may decrease albendazole levels
Precautions
- Monitor liver function tests during treatment
- Use caution in patients with liver disease
- Not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age unless directed by a physician
Pregnancy
Albendazole is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects.
Breast-feeding
Use caution when administering to breastfeeding mothers; the drug is excreted in breast milk.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Albendazole 400 mg tablet
- Albendazole suspension (e.g., 100 mg/5 ml)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.