Albendazole

This page lists Albendazole in 2 strengths (200mg tablets, 400mg capsules). Each option contains the same active ingredient; the difference is the amount in each dose. The right strength depends on your medical history, other medications and how you respond to treatment — the reviewing provider confirms it before any prescription is issued. Prices shown include every quantity we offer; you can change strength or quantity before checkout.

What is Albendazole?

Albendazole is a prescription antiparasitic medication and the active ingredient in the FDA-approved brand-name product Albenza. It belongs to the benzimidazole class, a group of medicines that target the internal structure of parasites without affecting human cells in the same way. Each tablet offered here contains 200 mg of albendazole.

Albendazole is prescribed for two infections in which parasite larvae lodge in human tissue and form cysts. Neurocysticercosis occurs when Taenia solium larvae reach the brain, where they can trigger seizures and headaches. Cystic hydatid disease occurs when Echinococcus larvae form slow-growing cysts in the liver, lungs, or lining of the abdominal cavity. Both conditions are usually diagnosed by imaging, and albendazole is often combined with other treatments such as anti-seizure medicines, corticosteroids, or surgery depending on where the cysts are located.

The medication works by binding to tubulin, a protein the parasite needs to build its internal skeleton and absorb glucose. Without the ability to take in glucose, the parasite runs out of energy, stops moving, and dies. Because albendazole is absorbed much better with fatty food, it is taken with meals. Your provider may also order periodic blood tests during treatment to check your liver enzymes and blood counts, and a pregnancy test is required before starting because albendazole can harm a developing fetus.

What it treats

• Neurocysticercosis (parenchymal form, caused by Taenia solium larvae in the brain)
• Cystic hydatid disease of the liver (Echinococcus granulosus)
• Cystic hydatid disease of the lung
• Cystic hydatid disease of the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen)
• Other parasitic infections when prescribed off-label by a licensed provider

• Cystic hydatid disease (60 kg or more): 400 mg by mouth twice daily with meals for 28 days, then 14 days off; repeat for a total of 3 cycles.
• Neurocysticercosis (60 kg or more): 400 mg by mouth twice daily with meals for 8 to 30 days.
• Under 60 kg: 15 mg/kg per day by mouth in two divided doses with meals (maximum 800 mg per day).
• Two 200 mg tablets make up one 400 mg dose. Always follow the schedule written on your prescription.

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Dosing shown is for Albendazole 200mg. Each strength has its own directions in the comparison above and on its product page.

Common side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests
• Temporary hair thinning

• Do not take if you are allergic to albendazole or other benzimidazole medicines such as mebendazole
• Can suppress bone marrow; blood counts are checked before treatment and every 2 weeks during each cycle
• Can raise liver enzymes; liver function is checked before treatment and every 2 weeks during each cycle
• May cause fetal harm; a pregnancy test is required before starting, and reliable contraception is recommended during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose
• Treating neurocysticercosis can cause swelling in the brain; corticosteroids and anti-seizure medicines are often prescribed alongside albendazole
• An eye exam is recommended before treating neurocysticercosis, since cysts in the retina can be damaged as they die
• Tell your provider about all medications, especially dexamethasone, praziquantel, cimetidine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting albendazole.

Sources

1. DailyMed - Albendazole prescribing information
2. MedlinePlus - Albendazole
3. FDA - Drugs@FDA (Albenza)

Full dosing, side effects, warnings and sources for each strength are on its own product page.