Albendazole Medications

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic belonging to the benzimidazole class. It is approved for the treatment of several intestinal and tissue helminth infections, including neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease, and strongyloidiasis. The drug works by disrupting the parasite’s microtubule formation, leading to impaired glucose uptake and eventual death. In Singapore, Albendazole is classified as a prescription-only medicine by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and is available under brand names such as Albenza®, Zentel®, and the generic “Albendazole 400 mg” tablets. Off-label, clinicians sometimes prescribe it for cutaneous larva migrans and pediatric echinococcosis when other options are unsuitable. The medication is supplied in oral tablets, with the most common strength being 400 mg, and can be obtained as a generic, offering a cost-effective alternative to branded products.

What is Albendazole?

Albendazole is a synthetic benzimidazole derivative that interferes with the energy metabolism of nematodes and cestodes. The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore approved the drug for human use in 1992, initially for common roundworm infections, and later expanded its indication to include tissue-invasive parasites such as Taenia solium (neurocysticercosis) and Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease). At the molecular level, Albendazole binds to β-tubulin, preventing polymerisation of microtubules, which are essential for maintaining parasite cell structure and nutrient absorption. This binding is highly selective for parasitic cells, sparing human host cells at therapeutic doses. The drug is marketed worldwide under several brand names-most notably Albenza® (GlaxoSmithKline), Zentel® (Novartis), and Sandoz Albendazole®-while generic versions dominate the market after the original patents expired in the early -s.

How Albendazole Works

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole is metabolised in the liver to its sulfoxide (albendazole-SO), the pharmacologically active entity. Both parent drug and metabolite attach to the β-tubulin of helminths, inhibiting microtubule assembly. This disruption compromises glucose uptake, depleting intracellular ATP and leading to parasite immobilisation and death. According to FDA labeling, the sulfoxide metabolite achieves higher plasma concentrations than the parent compound, accounting for the drug’s systemic efficacy against tissue-dwelling parasites.

Therapeutic Effects

By halting microtubule formation, Albendazole reduces parasite motility and replication. In neurocysticercosis, the drug penetrates the blood-brain barrier, causing cyst degeneration and eventual resolution of seizures. For hydatid disease, Albendazole weakens the laminated cyst wall, facilitating surgical removal or spontaneous collapse. Clinical trials published in The Lancet showed a 70 % cure rate in patients with active cysticercal lesions after a 28-day course combined with corticosteroids.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma levels of albendazole-SO appear within 2-4 hours after oral administration with a high-fat meal, enhancing absorption. Therapeutic effects on intestinal worms often become evident within 48 hours, whereas tissue diseases may require several weeks of treatment before radiologic improvement is detectable. The drug’s half-life ranges from 8 to 12 hours, supporting once- or twice-daily dosing depending on the indication.

Approved Uses and Applications

FDA/EMA-Approved Indications

• Intestinal helminth infections: Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm species.
• Neurocysticercosis: Active parenchymal and extraparenchymal cysts caused by Taenia solium.
• Hydatid disease: Cystic echinococcosis due to Echinococcus granulosus.
• Strongyloidiasis: Chronic infection with Strongyloides stercoralis.

In Singapore, these indications align with HSA prescribing guidelines, and the drug is reimbursable under certain private health insurance plans.

Off-Label Uses

Physicians occasionally employ Albendazole for cutaneous larva migrans, pediatric echinococcosis, and as adjunct therapy in disseminated trichinosis when alternative agents are contraindicated. Although not formally approved, peer-reviewed case series have reported favorable outcomes, especially when combined with praziquantel.

Clinical Efficacy

A multicentre, double-blind study involving 212 patients with neurocysticercosis demonstrated that a 28-day regimen of Albendazole 400 mg twice daily resulted in complete radiologic resolution in 68 % of participants, compared with 45 % in the placebo arm (p < .01). For intestinal helminths, single-dose therapy yields cure rates exceeding 95 % for Ascaris and Enterobius infections, as documented in the Cochrane review of benzimidazole anthelmintics.

Buying Albendazole from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing prescription medicines can be challenging when local pharmacies face stock shortages or when patients lack a convenient clinic visit. Our online pharmacy streamlines the process, offering a secure, confidential platform that connects you with licensed distributors.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Commonly stocked products include Albenza® 400 mg tablets, Zentel® 400 mg capsules, and the generic “Albendazole 400 mg” from reputable manufacturers such as Sandoz and Teva. Generic versions typically cost 30-40 % less than branded counterparts, providing the same therapeutic outcome.

Quality & Safety

We work with accredited international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by the Singapore HSA’s overseas partner programme.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing tables are visible on our website, and a lifetime 10 % discount applies to all repeat orders placed through our platform.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in approximately 7 days or standard delivery within 3 weeks. Each package is sealed in plain, tamper-evident packaging to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Albendazole is supplied as film-coated tablets (200 mg, 400 mg) and oral suspension (100 mg/5 ml). The tablet form is most widely prescribed for systemic infections, while the suspension is useful for pediatric dosing.

Typical Dosing Ranges

• Intestinal helminths: A single 400 mg dose, or 200 mg twice daily for three days in heavy infections.
• Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days, often combined with corticosteroids.
• Hydatid disease: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days per therapeutic cycle, repeated up to three cycles with 2-week drug-free intervals.

Dosing must be individualized by a qualified health professional, taking into account body weight, liver function, and concomitant therapies.

Administration Guidelines

Take tablets with a fatty meal to maximise absorption; the suspension should be shaken well and measured with a calibrated device. Do not crush or chew tablets, as this may reduce efficacy.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

• Nausea (≈ 12 %)
• Abdominal pain (≈ 9 %)
• Elevated liver enzymes (≈ 5 %)
• Headache (≈ 4 %)
• Dizziness (≈ 3 %)

Most adverse events are mild and resolve after treatment completion.

Serious Adverse Events

Rarely, Albendazole can cause severe hepatotoxicity, agranulocytosis, or severe cutaneous reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In a post-marketing surveillance study, serious liver injury occurred in .1 % of patients, necessitating immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to benzimidazoles.
• Pregnancy (first trimester) - the drug is classified as Category C by the FDA; teratogenic risk is documented in animal studies.
• Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

Drug Interactions

Albendazole-SO is metabolised by CYP3A4; concomitant use of strong inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) can lower plasma concentrations, reducing efficacy. Co-administration with cimetidine may increase albendazole exposure, potentially heightening toxicity. Serotonergic agents are not a major concern, but caution is advised when combined with other hepatotoxic drugs.

Special Populations

• Pregnancy: Use only when the potential benefit outweighs risks, typically after the first trimester for life-threatening infections.
• Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in breast milk; consider temporary cessation of nursing if high-dose, prolonged therapy is required.
• Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate dysfunction, but monitor serum levels in severe cases.
• Elderly: Age-related hepatic decline may warrant lower initial doses and closer liver function monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the mechanism of action of Albendazole? Albendazole binds to parasite β-tubulin, halting microtubule assembly, which impairs glucose uptake and leads to parasite death.

• How does Albendazole differ from Mebendazole? Both are benzimidazoles, but Albendazole has superior absorption when taken with fatty foods and achieves higher systemic concentrations, making it more effective for tissue-invasive infections.

• How long before Albendazole produces noticeable effects for intestinal worms? Most patients notice relief from gastrointestinal symptoms within 48 hours, while stool examinations confirm eradication after 7-10 days.

• When can I expect improvement in neurocysticercosis symptoms? Radiologic reduction of cysts typically appears after 2-4 weeks of therapy, although seizure control may improve sooner with adjunctive steroids.

• What should I do if I experience nausea while taking Albendazole? Taking the tablet with food usually mitigates nausea. If symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider to assess liver function and consider an anti-emetic.

• Are there any severe side effects I must watch for? Signs of liver injury (jaundice, dark urine), unexplained fever, or severe skin rash require immediate medical attention.

• Does taking Albendazole with food affect its efficacy? Yes; a high-fat meal can increase albendazole-SO plasma levels by up to 5-fold, enhancing therapeutic effect, especially for systemic infections.

• Can I use Albendazole during pregnancy? It is contraindicated in the first trimester; later use is considered only when the infection poses a greater risk to mother or fetus than the drug itself.

• Is Albendazole safe for children? Pediatric dosing is weight-based and generally well-tolerated; the suspension formulation facilitates accurate dosing for infants and young children.

• What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Albendazole? • Full list of current medications (including over-the-counter and herbal products) • History of liver or kidney disease • Pregnancy status or plans • Recent lab results, especially liver function tests

Disclaimer

The information provided about Albendazole is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Albendazole for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Albendazole.

External Resources about Albendazole

• Albendazole - Oral Patient Medicine Information | MIMS Singapore
• Albendazole
• CompoundingToday.com | Formulation: Albendazole 40-mg/mL Oral Suspension, Human, Veterinary
• Albendazole dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more
• PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ALBENZA - Food and Drug …