What is albendazole and what is it for?

What is albendazole?

Albendazole is an antiparasitic drug used to eradicate diseases caused by aggressive parasites. It can be consumed by children and adults, in different doses to eliminate larvae and adult nematodes that lodge in our body.

This medication also causes weakness in the cells of parasites that cause intestinal deficiency. Similarly, albendazole acts immediately, helping to restore intestinal tissues and protecting them from future diseases.

To highlight: Albendazole is effective because it prevents the capture of glucose in parasites, thus causing their death, since it is absorbed in the body through the intestinal mucous membranes, which causes it to be metabolized quickly in the liver.

Composition

This is a drug that comes from benzimidazole, which is responsible for attacking and eliminating larvae that affect the digestive and pulmonary system. It has the chemical name methyl-5-(propylthiouracil)-2-benzimidazole carbamate.

One tablet of this drug has 400 mg of albendazole as its active ingredient. Its excipient components are lactose monohydrate, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium saccharin, magnesium stearate and propylene glycol.

Presentations and dosage

This is a medicine that can be found over the counter in various parts of the world tag. It can be found in 400 mg syrups, and 200 mg and 400 mg tablets. The highest doses are used in adults with chronic parasitosis diseases.

The tablets can be swallowed with the help of a liquid, chewed or crushed . In the case of syrup, only the amount prescribed by the doctor should be drunk. This medicine can be consumed twice a day, accompanied with food.

Note: The dose of albendazole will depend on how aggressive the parasites are tag. In case of being a chronic prognosis, the most common portion is to ingest this drug for 28 days in a row. For milder diagnoses, a single dose is recommended, which is repeated after 15 days.

All treatment and doses may vary as directed by the doctor tag. Some pathologies require repeating the amounts for several cycles. Only the prescribed portion should be taken, since consuming it in excess can lead to secondary harmful health consequences.

What is albendazole used for?

Gastric parasites usually attack people of different ages, so it is necessary to always be alert and prepared to avoid contracting parasitic diseases. Next, we explain the uses that can be given to albendazole:

Intestinal parasitic infections

Albendazole is an antiparasitic and anthelmintic drug , which is used in treatments to combat parasites such as Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma duodenale, Taenia spp, Trichuris trichiura, and Echinococcus granulosus.

It is also used specifically to attack parasites that live in the digestive system,being able to break down fungal cells and intestinal larvae. Albendazole is also used to treat diseases such asInfantile Giardiasis.

Important: Various investigations and trials have shown the effectiveness of this medicationtag. One of them was a study carried out in Peru, where more than 1,193 patients were dewormed. The dose was 400 mg and it was found that albendazole is effective in attacking and eliminating lumbricoides and hookworms.(1)

Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is a disease that can be treated with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs , where albendazole is ideal for attacking cysticerci and it is recommended to take it twice every 24 hours for 15 days.

In this way, the implementation of albendazole is effective in curing this disease. In case the patient does not react, the doses should be increased or go for a new medical review with a specialist.

Cystic hydatidosis

This is a pathology that severely affects the liver, lungs and other organstag. Albendazole is used to eliminate the helminths that attack this disease and is prescribed together with surgery, if there are cysts.

Note: The recommended dose is 2 daily doses for 30 days, without interruptions. You must do 3 cycles of 1 month, with a 15-day break between each one, and consume it in the amount of 400 mg per day in children and 800 mg per day in adults.

Contraindications of albendazole

Albendazole usually causes harmful health symptoms in some patientstag. Although this medication can be used by people of different ages, it is necessary to re-evaluate its use in the following cases:

Component Sensitivity

The composition of albendazole can cause discomfort in some patients , due to the fact that there is hypersensitivity to the components of this medicine, which can cause poisoning, allergies and suffocation.

Note: In case of sensitivity to the components of the albendazole formula, it is necessary to withdraw its consumption immediately.

Pregnancy and lactation

This medication should not be administered to pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnanttag. If you are breastfeeding, you should not take albendazole, as it can cause side effects in the infant.

Children under 1 year

This drug comes in different presentations and doses. Some pharmaceutical chains have marketed syrups and little aggressive tablets that can be consumed by children. However,it is recommended to avoid the administration of albendazole in children under 2 years of age , since it could cause long-term problems.

Note: There are antiparasitics for pediatric use that can have the same effectiveness as this medicine, in case the infant presents complications due to the consumption of albendazole.

In Venezuela, a study was conducted with 22 infants who were administered 400mg albendazole for 5 days. It was concluded thatthe drug is not as effective in these cases , it should only be prescribed in children when they are intolerant to drugs such as metronidazole. (3)

Interaction with other medications

Albendazole is usually prescribed in conjunction with other medications ; but in some cases it may be of little benefit, since it increases plasma levels if combined with dexamethasone and cimetidine.

To be highlighted: Some drugs such as phenytoin and ritonavircan reduce the effectiveness of albendazole as an antiparasitic. It is recommended to avoid unifying them in a treatment, since they can prevent the infection from diminishing.

Adverse effects of albendazole

All patients are different and react differently to drug treatment. SometimesAlbendazole produces some side effects.Below we explain what are the most common negative symptoms generated by this medication:

gastrointestinal upset

Albendazole Can cause diarrhea in some patientstag. If there is any mild or chronic intestinal imbalance, the consumption of the medication should be withdrawn immediately. In this case, a reassessment of the treatment should be carried out.

Headache

This medicine can cause discomfort and pain in the head. Some patients have come to present a strong migraine after starting their treatment with albendazole. This symptom should be carefully evaluated, as it can cause seizures.

Vertigo and dizziness

Unfortunately this medicine Can cause Dizziness, Vomiting and Vertigoin some people. This is due to an increase in liver enzymes. In this case, the consumption of the drug should be avoided or the dose should be lowered.

Hair loss

Hair loss is one of the symptoms that takes the longest to appear. It usually occurs after having albendazole treatment for more than 3 months. This happens because the doses of the medicine are very high. In this case, it is recommended to pause the treatment for 2 weeks.

Key Conclusions

• Albendazole is a drug capable of eliminating parasites in different organs of the body.
• It should be consumed only if prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• In very high doses it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness.
• It should not be administered in children under 2 years of age or in pregnant women or women in a fertility plan.
• Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.