Albendazole 400mg Tablet

Albendazole 400mg – Anthelmintic (Benzimidazole)

Albendazole 400mg contains Albendazole, a anthelmintic (benzimidazole). It is indicated for intestinal nematode infections (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm), hydatid disease, neurocysticercosis. WHO Essential Medicine; first-line for soil-transmitted helminths; Cochrane-reviewed deworming trials.

Product Information

How It Works

Inhibits tubulin polymerisation in worm cells, impairing glucose absorption and causing parasite immobilisation and death. This mechanism of action makes Albendazole effective against intestinal nematode infections (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm), hydatid disease, neurocysticercosis.

People Also Ask

Is albendazole a single dose or do I need multiple tablets?

For most intestinal worm infections (roundworm, hookworm, pinworm), albendazole 400mg is a single-dose treatment — one tablet, taken once. For hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis, 400mg twice daily for 28 days is required, often in repeated cycles. Children aged 1–2 years receive 200mg.

What is the difference between albendazole and mebendazole?

Both are benzimidazole anthelmintics with similar mechanisms. Albendazole 400mg as a single dose has broader systemic activity (better absorbed) making it effective for tissue parasites. Mebendazole is poorly absorbed and works primarily in the intestinal lumen. For intestinal worms, both are effective; for tissue infections (hydatid, cysticercosis), albendazole is preferred.

Should albendazole be taken with food?

Yes — albendazole should be taken with a fatty meal. High-fat food increases albendazole absorption by 5-fold compared to fasting, significantly improving efficacy especially for systemic infections. For a simple intestinal worm treatment, either with or without food is acceptable, but with food maximises effect.

Can the whole family take albendazole together?

Mass drug administration (giving all household members albendazole simultaneously) is specifically recommended by WHO for intestinal worm control, as it prevents reinfection from family members harbouring worms. Adults and children over 2 years take 400mg; children aged 1–2 years take 200mg. Pregnant women in the first trimester should not take albendazole.

How quickly does albendazole work?

Albendazole begins killing worms within hours of ingestion; most intestinal worms are expelled within 3 days. Patients may notice worms in stools 1–3 days after treatment. Full clearance of eggs from stools typically occurs within 2 weeks. A follow-up stool test 2–4 weeks after treatment confirms cure.

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature (15–30°C) away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.