Albendazole is used for treating certain tapeworm infections. Albendazole is an anthelmintic. It works by killing sensitive parasites
Absorption
Poor from the GI tract; may increase up to 5 times when administered with a fatty meal
Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the body including urine, bile, liver, cyst wall, cyst fluid, and CSF
Metabolism
Hepatic; extensive first-pass effect; pathways include rapid sulfoxidation to active metabolite (albendazole sulfoxide [major]), hydrolysis, and oxidation
Labeled Indications
Hydatid disease: Treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.
Neurocysticercosis: Treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to albendazole, benzimidazoles, or any component of the formulation
Chemical Name
methyl 5(propylthio)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate
Chemical Formula
C12H15N3O2S
