Albendazole — what it treats and how to use it

Albendazole is a prescription medicine that kills many kinds of parasitic worms. Doctors commonly use it for intestinal worms (like roundworms, hookworms, and pinworm), for tapeworm infections, and for more serious conditions such as neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease. It works by stopping the parasite’s ability to use sugar, so the worm loses energy and dies.

Common dosing examples you can expect

Dosing depends on the infection. Here are typical examples your doctor might use:

- Intestinal worms (ascariasis, hookworm, trichuriasis): a single 400 mg dose.

- Pinworm (Enterobius): 400 mg once, often repeated after 2 weeks to prevent reinfection.

- Neurocysticercosis: usually 15 mg/kg per day (divided into two doses), with limits and a treatment length set by a specialist — often several weeks. This course requires close monitoring.

- Hydatid disease: longer courses at 10–15 mg/kg per day, often given in cycles for several months; this is managed by a specialist team.

Don’t change doses on your own. Exact length and dose vary by diagnosis, age, weight, and other medicines you take.

Side effects, warnings and buying tips

Most people tolerate short courses of albendazole fine. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, headache, and mild dizziness. With longer use you may see raised liver enzymes or, rarely, low white blood cell counts. For any treatment longer than a few days, doctors usually check baseline liver tests and a blood count, then repeat tests during therapy.

Avoid albendazole in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. If you’re a woman of childbearing age, your provider may ask for a pregnancy test and recommend effective contraception while taking the drug and for a short period after finishing. Breastfeeding advice varies—ask your prescriber.

Some medicines change albendazole levels. Drugs that speed up liver enzymes (like phenytoin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital) can lower albendazole’s effect. Medicines that slow liver breakdown (like cimetidine) can raise albendazole levels. Tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you use.

If you plan to buy albendazole online, use only licensed pharmacies. Check that the site requires a valid prescription, shows clear contact details, and ships proper labeling. Avoid extremely low prices or sites that promise prescription drugs without a prescription. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a trusted source.

When to see a doctor: if you have persistent abdominal pain, high fever, jaundice, severe allergic signs, or unusual bruising or bleeding while on albendazole, get medical help right away. For any parasitic diagnosis, follow up with your healthcare provider to confirm the infection cleared and to plan any needed repeat treatment or testing.

Short version: albendazole is effective for many worm infections but needs the right dose and safety checks. Follow your provider’s plan and buy from reputable sources.