albendazollal

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication in the benzimidazole class. It is used to treat a range of helminth infections in humans and animals. The drug acts by binding to parasite beta-tubulin and inhibiting microtubule formation, which disrupts glucose uptake and depletes energy stores, leading to parasite death.

In humans, albendazole is used for infections such as pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), hookworm infections, taeniasis, and more severe cestode and nematode infections, including cystic echinococcosis and neurocysticercosis. It is also employed in veterinary medicine for nematode and cestode infections in livestock and companion animals.

Pharmacokinetics: albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gut but absorption improves with fatty meals. After absorption, it is rapidly metabolized in the liver to albendazole sulfoxide, the active metabolite. The drug distributes widely and is excreted mainly in urine and feces. The elimination half-life of the active metabolite is about 8–12 hours.

Safety and monitoring: most adverse effects are mild, including abdominal pain, nausea, and headache. Rare but serious events include hepatotoxicity, neutropenia, and bone marrow suppression; liver function tests are recommended for long-term therapy. Contraindications include hypersensitivity and pregnancy during the first trimester; caution in lactation and in young children. Interactions have been described with certain drugs and with alcohol, and coadministration with praziquantel can increase albendazole absorption.

Brand names include Albendazole (Albenza in the United States) and Zentel (international).