Albendazole: Indications And Contraindications

Albendazole is an antiparasitic drug that results from its effect on microtubules in the plasma of parasitic cells. It does not affect the operation of human cells.

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative. Doctors prescribe it to treat a variety of medical conditions caused by infection with parasitic microorganisms that has occurred both in the gut and in the tissues.

It can be used both in adults and in children over two years of age. It is given in single doses or short-term therapy is performed.

Albendazole and its effect on the body

The antiparasitic effect of albendazole is related to its influence on microtubules in the cytoplasm of parasitic cells. It has no effect on human cells.

Moreover, this antiparasitic drug is able to break down cells by destroying their structures, making them lose their ability to fulfill their functions, both secretory and absorption. It follows that secretory substances accumulate in the Golgi apparatus of the parasites.

Therefore, as the energy decreases, the values ​​of glucose and glycogen increase.

In addition, since most of the substances accumulating in the Golgi apparatus are proteolytic enzymes released into the cell, autolysis takes place there. Cell death leads to the death of the parasite.

Indications for the use of albendazole

There have been studies that have proven the effectiveness of albendazole in the treatment of infections caused by:

• Enterobius vermicularis (human pinworms).
• Ascaris lumbricoides (intestinal parasite).
• Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (duodenal hookworms).

• Trichuris trichiura (parasitic nematode).
• Strongyloides stercoralis (pinworm).

However, this drug is not suitable for the treatment of infections caused by these microorganisms. Instead, it is used to treat infections caused by Hymenolepis nana and Taenia spp , which are responsible for the appearance of tapeworms.

Dosage

It varies according to the age of the patient and the disease that needs to be treated. For example, treatment of ascariasis, pinworm and hookworm disease requires one oral dose of 400 mg in adults.

In turn, diseases such as infection with whipworm, tapeworm or fasciolosis, as well as acute infections, require the administration of daily doses of 400 mg for three days. The second line of treatment for this type of disease should be started as soon as it becomes clear that the clinical picture does not improve after three weeks.

For children over two years of age, the same therapy is used as for adults. It is worth noting that the use of this drug is not advisable for children under two years of age.

Contraindications to the use of albendazole

Albendazole is a drug that cannot be used in many situations, despite the fact that it has been found safe in clinical trials. It should not be used by even patients who are hypersensitive to it or one of the excipients it contains.

As we mentioned earlier, albendazole is suitable for adults and children over two years of age. Again, it is not suitable for children under the age of two.

In addition, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it may affect the baby. Animal studies have revealed teratogenic and embryotoxic effects.

Finally, we must also mention that albendazole has not been proven to interact with other medications. Therefore, if you will be taking other medications, you should discuss the use of albendazole with your doctor. It is worth making every effort to protect yourself against health complications.

Side effects

Albendazole, like most drugs on the market, can cause side effects.

Side effects are unwanted and unforeseen events that can occur during treatment with any drug. Participants in clinical trials frequently reported the following side effects:

• Increase in liver enzymes.
• Digestive problems such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
• Leukopenia, which is a decrease in the number of leukocytes, a type of blood cell.
• Dizziness and headaches.
• Hair loss.
• Fever.

Some have also reported cases of pancytopenia, granulocytopenia, and bone marrow aplasia.

Summary

In summary, albendazole is a drug used in the treatment of parasitic diseases. Every effort should be made to use it in a rational way, as its misuse can lead to the development of serious health consequences.

Therefore, you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Only they will be able to answer any questions about this drug.