What is another name for albendazole syrup?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While albendazole is the generic name for a powerful anti-parasitic medication, the name for its syrup or oral suspension form varies significantly around the world. Consequently, if you are asking what is another name for albendazole syrup, the answer depends heavily on your geographic location.

Quick Summary

Albendazole is the generic name for an anthelmintic medication, with brand names for the oral suspension including Zentel and Eskazole in various countries. The syrup form is often compounded by pharmacies in the U.S.

Key Points

Generic Name: The active ingredient in albendazole syrup is simply albendazole.
International Brands: Outside the U.S., look for brand names like Zentel or Eskazole, which are common oral suspension formats.
U.S. Availability: In the U.S., a ready-made albendazole syrup is not commercially available; a liquid suspension must be custom-made by a compounding pharmacy.
Veterinary Version: Be aware that Valbazen is a similar-sounding brand name for animal use and is unsafe for humans.
Pediatric Use: The oral suspension form is often prescribed for children or individuals who cannot swallow tablets easily.
Prescription Only: Albendazole in all its forms is a prescription medication and should only be taken under a doctor's supervision.

What are the other names for albendazole syrup?

Albendazole is the official generic name for a medication used to treat various parasitic worm infections. However, the brand name for its syrup or oral suspension form is highly dependent on the country where it is marketed. In many regions, the oral suspension is used for pediatric patients or individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Common brand names internationally

Some of the most prominent international brand names for albendazole, which may be available as an oral suspension, include:

Zentel: This is a widely known brand name for albendazole in many parts of the world.
Eskazole: Another well-recognized brand, often available as tablets but also as suspensions in certain regions.
Valbazen: This is a brand name for albendazole oral suspension, but it is exclusively for veterinary use in livestock and is not intended for human consumption. It is crucial to be aware of this distinction to ensure human safety.

U.S. market considerations

In the United States, the primary brand name for albendazole is Albenza, which is available only as a tablet. A commercially available, ready-made syrup is not standard in the U.S. market. If a liquid formulation is needed, it is typically prepared specifically for a patient by a compounding pharmacy, which can increase the cost and may not be covered by insurance. This practice allows for customized dosing for children and others who cannot take tablets.

How albendazole works and its clinical uses

Albendazole functions as an anthelmintic agent by disrupting the parasite's ability to absorb glucose, the sugar it needs for energy. This mechanism depletes the parasite's energy reserves, leading to its death. It is effective against a broad spectrum of parasites, including both intestinal and tissue-dwelling worms.

Approved and off-label indications

Albendazole is prescribed for several specific infections:

Neurocysticercosis: An infection of the nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
Cystic Hydatid Disease: An infection affecting the liver, lungs, or peritoneum caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.
Other parasitic infections: It is also used off-label for treating other infections, such as those caused by roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms, pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), and threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis).

Important safety information and precautions

Before taking any form of albendazole, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. The drug has important safety considerations, and treatment protocols vary based on the specific infection being addressed.

Key precautions include:

Liver Function: Albendazole can cause elevated liver enzymes, and in rare cases, severe liver problems. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is often required during treatment.
Blood Cell Counts: The medication can lower blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infection or bleeding. Patients taking the drug may need periodic blood tests.
Pregnancy: Albendazole can cause fetal harm and should not be used by pregnant women. Women of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective contraception during and shortly after therapy.
Interactions: It is important to inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some can interact with albendazole.

Comparison of Albendazole and Mebendazole

While both albendazole and mebendazole are benzimidazole anthelmintics, they have distinct characteristics. Here is a comparison of these two common anti-worm medications.


Feature	Albendazole (Generic)	Mebendazole (Generic)
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits glucose uptake in worms, leading to energy depletion.	Inhibits microtubule polymerization in worms, blocking glucose uptake.
Indications	Broad-spectrum. Treats neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease, and various intestinal worms.	Treats pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Dosage Forms	Primarily available as tablets, with oral suspension/syrup common internationally or via compounding pharmacies.	Available as chewable tablets and oral suspension in many regions.
Availability	Prescription-only.	Prescription-only in most locations.
Pharmacokinetics	Absorption is enhanced when taken with a fatty meal.	Primarily active within the intestinal tract, with minimal systemic absorption.

The importance of consulting a healthcare professional

Due to the international variations in drug availability, brand names, and formulations, self-medication is strongly discouraged. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the type of parasitic infection and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, dose, and formulation. This is particularly important for liquid formulations like what is another name for albendazole syrup, where regional and compounding practices can differ significantly.

Your doctor will consider factors such as the type of infection, your body weight, your age, and your overall health status before determining the best course of action. They will also advise you on potential side effects and necessary monitoring to ensure the safest and most effective treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, the brand name for albendazole is Albenza. It is available as a tablet, and a syrup must be specially prepared by a compounding pharmacy if needed.

No, albendazole is a prescription-only medication in most countries, including the United States, and cannot be purchased over-the-counter.

Zentel and Eskazole are both brand names for the same active ingredient, albendazole, and are marketed in different international locations. Their effectiveness should be identical, but availability of the syrup/suspension form may vary by region.

The dosage for children is determined by a doctor based on the child's body weight and the type of infection.

Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Reversible hair loss may also occur with prolonged use.

Yes, albendazole should be taken with food, particularly a fatty meal. This significantly improves the absorption of the drug, making it more effective.

A specific animal-use brand, Valbazen, is available for livestock. However, human-use albendazole should not be used for animals, and vice versa. Animal medication is not suitable or safe for human consumption.