Albendazole

Indication & Dosage

Oral

Echinococcosis

Adult: <60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses. Max: 800 mg/day. ≥60 kg: 400 mg bid. Admin dose for three 28-day cycles w/ a 14-day drug-free interval in between each cycle.

Child: Same as adult dose.

Oral

Neurocysticercosis

Adult: <60 kg: 15 mg/kg daily in 2 divided doses (max: 800 mg/day) for 8-30 days. ≥60 kg: 400 mg bid for 8-30 days.

Child: Same as adult dose.

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole sulfoxide (active metabolite), causes selective degeneration of cytoplasmic microtubules in intestinal and tegmental cells of intestinal helminths and larvae; glycogen is depleted, glucose uptake and cholinesterase secretion are impaired and desecratory substances accumulate intracellulary. ATP production decreases, causing energy depletion, immobilisation and worm death.

Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the GI tract. Absorption may be enhanced by a fatty meal. Time to peak plasma concentration: 2-5 hr.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body including the bile and CSF. Plasma protein binding: Approx 70%.

Metabolism: Undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism; converted to albendazole sulfoxide.

Excretion: Mainly via the bile, and small amounts in urine. Plasma half-life: Approx 8.5 hr.