What is the use of albendazole Tablet? A comprehensive guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Albendazole, an FDA-approved antihelminthic medication, is primarily used to treat neurocysticercosis and cystic hydatid disease, which are infections caused by tapeworm larvae. It is also employed for a wide range of other parasitic infections. A clear understanding of what is the use of albendazole tablet is crucial for patients and caregivers.

Quick Summary

Albendazole tablets treat parasitic worm infections, such as tapeworms and roundworms, by interfering with the parasite's metabolism and energy supply, leading to their death.

Key Points

Approved Uses: Albendazole is FDA-approved to treat neurocysticercosis (pork tapeworm in the brain) and cystic hydatid disease (dog tapeworm cysts in organs).
Broader Spectrum: It is also used off-label for a variety of other parasitic infections, including roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms.
Mechanism: The drug works by binding to the parasite's beta-tubulin, which inhibits microtubule formation and depletes the parasite's energy supply, causing it to die.
Administration: For better absorption, it should be taken with food, preferably a high-fat meal. The administration amount and treatment duration vary widely based on the specific infection.
Safety Profile: Potential side effects range from common issues like nausea and headache to more serious ones like liver damage and bone marrow suppression, requiring monitoring during long-term therapy.
Pregnancy Warning: Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy and requires a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment.

What is Albendazole?

Albendazole is a benzimidazole antihelminthic agent, a type of medicine used to treat parasitic worm infections. It works by targeting the worm's cellular structure and metabolic processes, effectively killing the parasites within the body. This medication is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally, with the amount and duration varying depending on the specific infection being treated. It is a prescription-only medication, ensuring it is used under proper medical supervision.

FDA-Approved and Major Uses

Albendazole has several key FDA-approved applications for treating serious parasitic infections, particularly those that form cysts in bodily tissues.

Neurocysticercosis

This is an infection of the nervous system, including the brain and eyes, caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. When a person ingests the eggs of the pork tapeworm, the larvae can migrate to the central nervous system, forming cysts. Treatment with albendazole can help destroy these cysts, though it is often combined with other medications like steroids to manage inflammation.

Cystic Hydatid Disease

This infection results from the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus, which can form cysts in the liver, lungs, and other abdominal organs. Albendazole is used, sometimes in conjunction with surgery, to treat these cysts. Extended courses of treatment are often required.

Off-Label and Other Common Uses

Beyond its primary approved uses, albendazole is also prescribed for a variety of other parasitic infections.

Intestinal Worm Infections

Albendazole is highly effective against a range of common intestinal worms, including:

Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides)
Hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale)
Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
Whipworm (Trichuris trichiuria)
Threadworm (Strongyloides stercoralis)

Giardiasis

In some cases, albendazole is used to treat giardiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the protozoan Giardia duodenalis, particularly strains that are resistant to other treatments like metronidazole.

Microsporidiosis

This infection is caused by microscopic parasites called microsporidia and can affect individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. Albendazole is used to treat certain types of microsporidiosis, including gastrointestinal and disseminated infections.

Mechanism of Action: How Albendazole Works

Albendazole's effectiveness comes from its ability to disrupt the parasite's cellular functions. Its active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, binds selectively to the parasite's beta-tubulin, a protein essential for the structure of microtubules.

This binding action causes a cascade of problems for the worm, including:

Inhibition of Microtubule Formation
Impaired Glucose Utilization
Energy Depletion

With no energy, the parasite becomes immobilized and eventually dies.

Administration

Administration depends heavily on the infection and patient characteristics, such as body weight. For systemic infections like neurocysticercosis, treatment can last for several weeks. In contrast, simple intestinal infections may be treated with a single administration. For optimal absorption, albendazole should generally be taken with a high-fat meal. Your healthcare provider will determine the correct administration amount and schedule.

Comparison: Albendazole vs. Mebendazole


Feature	Albendazole (Albenza)	Mebendazole (Vermox)	Source
Availability	Prescription only in the US.	Brand name Vermox discontinued in the US, but alternatives exist.
Indications	Treats systemic infections (neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease) and intestinal infections.	Historically treated intestinal roundworm and whipworm infections.
Absorption	Better absorption, especially with high-fat meals.	Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment Length	Varies widely, from single administrations for intestinal worms to multi-week cycles for systemic disease.	Typically a single administration for intestinal infections.
Side Effects	Broader range of side effects, including potential liver damage and bone marrow suppression. Requires monitoring for longer courses.	Can cause severe skin reactions with certain antibiotics.

Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, albendazole can cause side effects. Common, milder side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain. For longer treatment courses, regular monitoring of blood counts and liver function is necessary because of the risk of liver enzyme elevation and bone marrow suppression.

Special precautions include:

Pregnancy: Albendazole is not safe for use during pregnancy and should only be used after a negative pregnancy test.
Neurocysticercosis: The death of parasites in the brain can trigger inflammation, increasing the risk of neurological symptoms like seizures. Steroids are often co-administered to manage this.
Liver Disease: Patients with pre-existing liver conditions should use albendazole with caution and may require close monitoring.

For more detailed clinical information on drug interactions and adverse effects, the MedlinePlus drug information page for Albendazole is a valuable resource.

Conclusion

Albendazole is a crucial and versatile anti-parasitic agent, with its tablet form serving as a primary treatment for serious tapeworm infections like neurocysticercosis and cystic hydatid disease. Its applications also extend to more common intestinal worm infestations and specific protozoal infections. While generally well-tolerated, it is vital that this medication is taken under a doctor's supervision due to potential side effects, particularly with prolonged use. The specific amount and length of treatment must be tailored by a healthcare provider based on the type of parasitic infection and the patient's individual health status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albendazole tablets should be taken orally, usually with food, to help with absorption. For systemic infections, it is often taken multiple times a day. You can crush or chew the tablets if you have trouble swallowing.

No, the amount and duration of albendazole treatment depend on the infection. Some intestinal worms may only require a single administration, while serious conditions like cystic hydatid disease involve multiple treatment cycles over a longer period.

Common side effects can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and reversible hair loss. More serious side effects can occur, especially with long-term use.

If you miss an administration, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled administration, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double administration.

Taking albendazole with a high-fat meal significantly improves its absorption by the body, ensuring that a higher concentration of the active medication reaches the parasites.

No, albendazole is not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus. Women should not start treatment until a negative pregnancy test is confirmed and should use birth control during treatment and for a period afterward.

While primarily an antihelminthic, albendazole is also sometimes used to treat infections caused by protozoa, such as metronidazole-resistant Giardiasis and Microsporidiosis, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.