Albendazole is a drug, derived from benzimidazoles, whose characteristics is to be anthelmintic and antiparasitic, that is, it helps to combat this class of organisms more or less quickly, either by causing their death or by creating a suitable context for flight. It is used for neurocysticercosis, ascariasis, hookworm, among other kinds of infections. Here we tell you what Albendazole is for.
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What is Albendazole for?
Albendazole is an anthelmintic medicine (they help in the eradication or escape of parasitic worms) and antiparasitic (for the treatment of any organism with parasitic activity). It belongs to the class of benzimidazoles (aromatic and heterocyclic hydrocarbons, which are the fusion of benzene and imidazole). It can be said that the World Health Organization considers it a vital medicine, with a very wide range of action in everything that are parasitic diseases, especially in the intestines. Good examples are ascariasis, hookworm, strongyloidiasis, giardiasis, among others. Neurocysticercosis is also fought by this drug, since it directly attacks the pork tapeworm, which damages both brains, muscles and the eyes themselves.
However, it is important to know that Albendazole does not always appear in pharmacies with the exact name. Here is a list with their trade names for you to take into account.
- Amezolin (Colombia).
- Eskazole (Spain, Mexico).
- Labendazole (Colombia).
- Lambizol (Paraguay).
- Obedozol (Colombia)
- Nematel (Argentina).
- Answer (Argentina).
- Vermizole (Argentina).
- Vermil plus (Mexico).
- Vermoil (Chile).
- Zentel (Chile, Colombia, Mexico).
How is Albendazole used?
Albendazole usually comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day. If used for neurocysticercosis it is taken for eight to 30 days. If it is used to combat cystic hydatidosis disease, it is ingested for 28 days, rested for a period of 14 days, and then removed. This process can contain at least three cycles. It is important to consume Albendazole at the same time, every day that it is done and, likewise, consult nearby specialists or doctors for any questions we have regarding its use. It is essential to use as directed, not skipping doses, not increasing or decreasing them; but not trying to get them back if you forgot one. Any modification of the frequency must be communicated in advance to the doctor to know his opinion. In the case of children, you can crush the tablets if they are too big. It is important to complete the prescription, even though in the course of the treatment we feel better. A sudden interruption or a gap in the intake can mean a setback in the convalescence process.
Below we specify the intake according to the pathology you are going through. Naturally, the calculation is approximate and we cannot be absolutely complete on this.
In the case of Ascaris lumbricoides:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for adults and children over 2 years of age.
200 mg or 5 ml oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for children between 1 and 2 years of age.
In the case of Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for adults and children over 2 years of age.
200 mg or 5 ml oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for children between 1 and 2 years of age.
In the case of cutaneous Larva migrans:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) once a day for 3 days for adults and children over 2 years of age.
In the case of Enterobius vermicularis:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for adults and children over 2 years of age. The dose can be repeated after 2 weeks.
In the case of Trichuris trichiura:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for adults and children over 2 years of age.
200 mg or 5 ml oral suspension (40 mg / ml) in a single dose for children between 1 and 2 years of age.
In the case of Strongyloides stercoralis:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) once a day for 3 days for adults and children over 2 years of age.
In the case of Giardia lamblia:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) once a day for 5 days for adults and children over 2 years of age.
In the case of Hymenolepis nana:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) once a day for 3 days for adults and children over 2 years of age.
In the case of Taenia spp .:
400 mg or 10 ml of oral suspension (40 mg / ml) once a day for 3 days for adults and children over 2 years of age.
Patients less than 60 kg: 15 mg / kg / day divided into two doses (maximum daily dose of 800 mg) for 8 to 30 days, according to medical advice. Patient weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg twice a day for 8 to 30 days, according to medical advice.
It is also important to know that certain precautions must be followed when starting the intake of a drug of this nature. First of all, notify the pharmacist if you are allergic to some of the components of albendazole and its derivatives; tell your doctor if you are taking dietary supplements, vitamins, or herbal products at the same time, as the regimen will most likely need to vary; it is important to communicate if you have had any liver disease; Communicate urgently if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as taking Albendazole may harm the fetus; and also if you plan to have any surgery, even if it is dental.
There is no need for any special diet while taking Albendazole.
Albendazole side effects
Albendazole can cause certain side effects. Some are of normal features, that is, they occur, without major risks, in most cases. We talk about stomach pain, nausea, hair loss, dizziness, vomiting, and headache. However, there are also somewhat serious side effects, which entails its strict and rapid communication to specialists as soon as they appear.
- Throat pain.
- Fever.
- Chills and other signs of infection.
- Soft spot.
- Fatigue.
- Pallor.
- Shortness of breath.
- Rash.
- Urticaria.
- Diarrhea.
It is substantive to say that these side effects do not exceed ten percent of patients who use Albendazole and sometimes not even five percent.
The drug container must be well closed, out of the reach of children and animals, and at room temperature (its original container must also be respected). In case of overdose, immediately contact a nearby doctor or specialist. To dispose of the drug, a rigorous protocol must also be followed, strictly forbidding to eliminate it down the toilet or in a waste bag indistinctly from the rest of the waste.
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.
