Summary
Albendazole is a prescription anthelmintic from the benzimidazole group used to treat a range of parasitic worm infections. In Australia it is most commonly used for conditions such as hydatid disease (echinococcosis) and neurocysticercosis, but it can also be prescribed for other helminth infections where appropriate. It is not an antiviral medicine and is not used to treat heart conditions.
- Drug class: benzimidazole anthelmintic
- The active ingredient is albendazole
- Typical strength available: 400 mg tablets (sometimes supplied as one 400 mg tablet or two 200 mg tablets)
- Access: prescription-only medicine in most cases
If you want to go straight to dose amount guidance, open Albendazole intake guidelines. For safety constant monitoring instructions see Safety with ongoing health monitoring, and for cost information jump to AUD public pricing in Australia.
How the system works
Albendazole binds to parasite beta-tubulin and prevents formation of functional microtubules. This disrupts glucose uptake and other key cellular processes, depleting the parasite's energy stores and eventually causing death of susceptible worms and larvae. Different parasite species vary in sensitivity, so identification of the organism helps determine the most effective treatment approach.
Oral absorption of albendazole is increased when taken with food, particularly a meal that contains some fat. This can be important for prolonged or high-dose courses given for tissue-invasive infections.
For a backup option drugs and combination strategies, see Possible substitutes and medicines related to them.
Ways to take albendazole
Follow the prescription given by your clinician alongside the pharmacist's instructions. The notes here are general pointers and do not replace personalised medical advice.
- Take albendazole by mouth with food to improve absorption; a meal with some fat is best.
- Tablets may often be chewed or crushed if swallowing is difficult; check the product leaflet or ask a pharmacist to confirm for your specific pack.
- For simple intestinal infections a single 400 mg dose is commonly used. For more complex tissue infections such as neurocysticercosis or echinococcosis, treatment is longer, weight-based and often supervised by a specialist, sometimes in combination with other drugs.
What to do if a dose is skipped
- As soon as you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is near; do not double up to catch up.
- If several doses are missed or you are unsure what to do, contact your prescribing clinician or a pharmacist for specific instructions.
For extended courses the prescriber commonly arranges periodic blood tests, including a full blood count and liver function tests. See Safety and oversight for details, see the following.
Tips for long term a storage locker can hold tools and supplies.
- Keep albendazole at normal room temperature, ideally between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F).
- Store in its original container with the lid closed to protect from moisture, heat and light.
- Refrain from storing in bathrooms or any moist environments.
- Store medicines in a location that children and pets cannot access or see.
If you are travelling to hot climates, try to avoid exposing the medication to prolonged high temperatures or direct sun. For further advice see Efficient practical pointers.
Safety oversight and constant monitoring
Don't apply if
- You have a known hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles.
Tell your prescriber if
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
- You have liver disease, a history of blood disorders or low blood counts, or significant eye disease.
- You are taking prescription medicines, over-the-counter remedies, herbal products or supplements.
- You have any other allergies to drugs, foods or environmental triggers.
Important safety reminders
- Giddiness or drowsiness can occur; until you know how albendazole affects you, avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Bone marrow suppression is an uncommon but serious risk; seek prompt care for fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Women of childbearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test before starting therapy and use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the final dose.
- Long or high-dose regimens generally require periodic keeping track of metrics of full blood count and liver function tests; attend all arranged blood tests.
- Use in infants younger than one year generally needs specialist assessment as safety data are limited.
Prenatal period and breastfeeding
Albendazole is generally avoided during pregnancy because of potential risk to the fetus. If pregnancy is discovered during treatment contact your prescriber immediately. It is unclear to what extent albendazole passes into breast milk; discuss breastfeeding and treatment choices with your clinician for an individualized assessment.
Therapeutic drug combination the pattern of the exchange that happens when people meets determines group dynamics.
Many medicines and supplements can change albendazole exposure or the likelihood of unwanted health consequences. Always give your prescriber and pharmacist a complete list of what you take.
- Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital may lower albendazole levels and reduce efficacy.
- Agents like cimetidine, dexamethasone and praziquantel can raise albendazole metabolite concentrations and may increase side effect risk.
- Theophylline, used to treat respiratory symptoms concentrations can be affected when co-administered with albendazole; real time monitoring of systems of theophylline levels may be required.
- Always question and verify. with a prescriber or pharmacist before starting or stopping other medicines while on albendazole.
Unwanted reactions and when to seek medical attention
Many people experience no or only mild lingering effects. Common reaction sets are usually transient, but some reactions require urgent medical attention.
Standard indirect effects
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Tension type pain in my head
- Abdominal area pain or discomfort
Serious adverse outcomes - seek urgent care
- Severe allergic responses with widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or breathing difficulty
- Signs of liver injury such as jaundice, dark urine or persistent upper right abdominal pain
- Marked reduction in urine output, unusual bleeding or easy bruising, extreme tiredness
- Fever, sore throat or other symptoms suggestive of infection (possible bone marrow suppression)
- Severe skin eruptions such as blistering or peeling.
- New seizures, acute visual changes, or prolonged severe dizziness
This list does not cover every possible adverse event. If you are concerned about any symptom, contact your doctor, pharmacist or local emergency services without delay.
Related medications and multiple options
The optimal drug depends on the parasite species along with the site of infection. Do not change or stop prescribed therapy without medical advice. Possible substituted agents include:
- Ivermectin - commonly used for strongyloidiasis and some other nematode infections; dosing differs from albendazole.
- The antihelminthic drug Praziquantel - effective for many tapeworm and schistosome infections; sometimes combined with albendazole for certain situations under specialist supervision.
- Mebendazole - another benzimidazole; used for pinworm, roundworm and hookworm and available in some pharmacist-only or over-the-counter formulations australian territory.
- Pyrantel pamoate - widely used OTC for enterobiasis (threadworm) but has limited activity against other parasites.
- Nitazoxanide - has activity against some protozoa and helminths; availability in Australia can be restricted and may require special access arrangements.
Comparative points to note:
- Identification of the exact parasite maximizes the chance of cure and defines the appropriate drug and course length.
- Albendazole absorption is meal-dependent and improves with fat; mebendazole single-dose regimens are less affected by meals.
- Praziquantel therapy approach can cause dizziness or drowsiness similar to albendazole, so apply the same precautions to take for driving and machinery.
Prices in the Australian currency (AUD)
Out-of-pocket costs vary by brand, pack size, where you buy the medicine and whether the prescription is subsidised. The figures below are general estimates for private purchase and should be checked with a pharmacist for accuracy.
- Private purchase of a single 400 mg albendazole dose: typically in the range of about AUD 15 to AUD 60 depending on supplier and pack size.
- Longer courses for conditions such as echinococcosis or neurocysticercosis increase the total cost proportionately; hospital or specialist sourcing may affect the final price.
- If eligible under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), albendazole may be subsidised for specific clues indicating. In that case you pay the applicable PBS co-payment or concession amount; check the PBS website for current co-payment levels.
Approximate private-custom pricing benchmarking for some choice the other options:
- Mebendazole small packs: roughly AUD 8 to AUD 20 subject to brand and quantity.
- Praziquantel regimen 600 mg tablets: approximate cost per tablet AUD 5 to AUD 15; total depends on weight-based dosing.
- Ivermectin 3 mg tablet: commonly AUD 3 to AUD 7 per tablet; regimen cost varies by weight and indication.
- Pyrantel pamoate OTC packs: typically AUD 8 to AUD 18 for common pack sizes.
Prices change with time. For exact PBS eligibility, authority requirements and current co-payments consult the PBS website or speak with your pharmacist.
The regulatory framework for access to the law within the Commonwealth of Australia.
- Scheduling: albendazole is generally listed as a Schedule 4 medicine (prescription-only) in the land of Australia.
- Dispensing: you will usually need a valid Australian prescription to obtain standard supplies from a pharmacy.
- PBS: certain symptoms can be subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with authority requirements; prescribers can advise on eligibility and how to apply for authority prescriptions.
- Personal importation: under the Therapeutic Goods Administration personal importation provisions an adult with a valid prescription may import a limited supply for personal use. Imported medicines must be lawful for import and for use in both Australia in addition to the country of export. Check TGA guidance for current limits and conditions.
- Usage monitoring: prolonged or high-dose treatment often requires prescriber-ordered blood tests as described in Oversight related to safety.
- Driving and workplace safety: because dizziness may occur, follow local road rules and workplace guidance for safety until you know how albendazole affects you.
For up-to-date scheduling, import rules and regulatory advice consult the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), state health authorities, or your pharmacist.
Prompt useful tips
- Take albendazole with food; including some fat in the meal improves absorption for most regimens.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the final dose. See in pregnancy and during lactation guidance in the Safety section.
- Seek prompt medical attention for signs of liver injury, severe rash, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
- Store the medication away from heat and moisture when travelling; consult Storage unit recommendations please refer to the details.
- Whenever possible confirm the parasite species before starting treatment to select the most appropriate medicine and dose; see Different courses of action and adjunct medicines.
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