Albendazole is an antiparasitic drug that belongs to the class of benzimidazoles , which is very effective in treating various infections caused by parasites, such as ascariasis, hookworm, giardiasis, among others. In addition, it is a highly recommended drug also for veterinary use, since its antiparasitic effect is effective in animals.
For those who want to take advantage of all the benefits that this drug offers, they can find it in various presentations such as tablets or oral suspensions.
Index
Albendazole benefits
Albendazole is a very beneficial drug for people, since it is used as a treatment to combat parasitic infections, because it contains properties that are ideal for it. Among the most relevant benefits that can be obtained by making use of this dewormer, the following are mentioned:
Fight parasitic infections
Albendazole is a prescription drug to treat infections caused by parasites, which are usually acquired through food, contaminated water, insect bites, or sexual contact. Among the parasitic infections that can be treated with this medicine are the following:
- Ascariasis: is an infection of the intestine caused by the parasite Ascaris lumbricoides .
- Trichuriasis: it is an intestinal infection caused by the Trichuris trichiura parasite .
- Oxyuriasis: it is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Enterobius vermicularis.
- Hookworm: It is an infection of the intestine caused by the parasites Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
- Taeniasis: it is an infection caused by the parasite Taenia saginata.
- Strongyloidiasis: it is an intestinal infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Hymenolepiasis: it is an infection produced by the Hymenolepis nana parasite .
- Opisthorchiasis: it is an infection caused by the Opisthorchis viverrini parasite .
- Giardiasis: is a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis.
Albendazole for dogs, cats or other animals
Albendazole can be used as a treatment to combat gastrointestinal and lung parasites of animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, pigs and cattle, since it contains antiparasitic properties.
This is of great help, because it is extremely necessary to take good health care of the animal, since the parasites can become harmful to them, causing mild disorders and even serious and / or fatal diseases.
Albendazole properties
Albendazole has within its composition a series of substances that give it such effective medicinal power, but it also contains properties that help this drug to treat parasitic diseases. Among the properties that this drug contains are the following:
- Anthelmintic properties.
- Antiparasitic properties.
Presentations of albendazole: How to take albendazole?
People who need to follow a treatment with albendazole, can get it in 2 presentations, which are:
- 200 and 400mg tablets.
- 40mg / ml oral suspension.
The tablets can be given with the help of a little water and even crushed, especially if the patient is a child. As for the oral suspension, just drink the liquid and you will be taking advantage of the benefits it offers.
What is the recommended dose of albendazole?
As it is a drug that can be used by both people and animals, due to its different presentations, it is necessary to know the recommended dose for both cases, since if the established indications are not followed, it could cause certain health complications .
Albendazole dosage for children and adults
The dose of this medicine will be prescribed according to the parasite that is causing the infection, although the following are usually used:
- Adults and children over 2 years: 400mg or 10ml of oral suspension in a single dose.
- Children between 1 to 2 years: 200 mg or 5 ml of oral suspension in a single dose.
However, these data are general, since as well said there will be other conditions that require a higher dose, so it is essential to consult with a specialist in the health area before using this drug.
Veterinary albendazole dosage
The dose of albendazole for veterinary use will depend on the type of animal to whom you want to give this drug and its weight, although they are generally the following:
- Albendazole for dogs and cats: 25-50 mg / Kg every 12 hours orally for 5 days.
- Albendazole for rabbits and rodents: 30 mg / kg every 24 hours orally for 30 days.
- Albendazole for cattle: 10-15 mg / kg orally.
- Albendazole for pigs: 5-10 mg / kg orally.
As in the previous case, these doses are general, so it is recommended that before giving this medicine to any animal, a veterinarian is consulted to know the necessary dose to be administered.
Where to buy albendazole?
Albendazole can be obtained at any physical pharmacy in the country under the trade name of zentel, digezanol, rotopar or simply albendazole, however, there is also the option of finding it through the Internet, since there are currently many laboratories that commercialize drugs in a on-line.
For its part, if albendazole is needed for veterinary use, it can be purchased at a pet store.
Albendazole contraindications
Although albendazole is beneficial for people, not everyone can make use of it, since there are certain contraindications to this drug that must be taken into account to avoid adverse reactions. That is why it is important to know that this drug is contraindicated for the following cases:
People with hypersensitivity to any component of the drug
Albendazole should not be ingested by those with a history of allergy to any component of the formula, as it could be counterproductive to their health.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
The use of albendazole during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended, since it has components that could affect the fetus or the infant. In addition, those women who are under treatment with this drug and are thinking of having a child, must wait at least 1 month to become pregnant.
Interaction with other medications
The use of albendazole together with other medications is not recommended, as it can cause the product not to have the desired effect and even lead to an increase in adverse reactions. That is why it is essential to consult with the treating physician before ingesting this medication, in order to know the precautions that must be taken into account.
Some of the medications that can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of albendazole are:
- Ritonavir.
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital.
- Carbamazepine.
On the other hand, there are those that can cause side effects to the patient, among which are:
- Dexamethasone.
- Cimetidine.
- Praziquantel.
Other contraindications: use in animals
As with people, this drug is not recommended for all animals, as it could cause some health complications. That is why you should avoid giving this drug to animals that are in these cases:
- Animals with liver problems.
- Pregnant females.
Albendazole side effects
Albendazole is a very safe drug, as long as the medical indications are followed and the necessary dose is not exceeded, since otherwise it can cause both people and animals some adverse reactions.
Side effects in people
Too much albendazole can cause the following side effects in people:
- Vertigo.
- Headache.
- Threw up.
- Sickness.
- Fever.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
- Hair loss.
- Headache.
- Cervical stiffness
- Change in urinary volume.
- Allergic reactions.
In case of presenting some of these symptoms, treatment with this medicine should be stopped immediately and see a doctor if the symptoms are prolonged.
Side effects in animals
On the other hand, animals do not escape adverse reactions, since according to some studies carried out in rodents and dogs, an excessive dose of this drug caused liver and testicular toxicity, as well as some gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. For this reason, if the animal presents some of these symptoms, it is also advisable to suspend the use of the drug and go to the veterinarian if the discomfort persists.
Conclusion: Is it advisable to use albendazole?
Albendazole is a drug that contains very beneficial properties to treat parasitic infections, so its consumption is highly recommended both for people and for veterinary use. However, it must be taken into account that excessive use of it can cause some adverse reactions, which is why it is essential to follow the indications established by the specialist doctor in order to ensure the success of the treatment.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
