What class of drug is albendazole?
Albendazole, sold under brand names such as Albenza, is an antihelminthic medication used to treat several types of worm infections. It acts by disrupting the parasites' energy uptake and structural proteins, which eventually kills or immobilises them.
- Albendazole remains the active ingredient
- Therapeutic group: antiparasitic / antihelminthic
- Common dose form in Australia: 400 mg tablets (formulations and strengths may vary)
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Prior to starting albendazole usage.
Tell your prescriber about your full medical history and any medicines or supplements you are taking to make sure albendazole is appropriate for you.
- Existing liver disease or previous abnormal liver tests
- Problems with the bile ducts or gallbladder
- Low blood counts such as anemia or other blood disorders
- Weakened immune system or current use of immunosuppressive medicines
- Known allergies to albendazole or ingredients in the tablet
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding
If you suspect pregnancy while taking albendazole, contact your doctor straight away. Further reading guardrails of safety through precautions and monitoring in real time.
Ways to take albendazole
Albendazole is taken by mouth. Taking the tablet with food, particularly a fatty meal, increases absorption. Do exactly as the prescription label directs and as your clinician instructs.
- Complete the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
- Do not stop therapy early or skip doses unless advised by your prescriber.
- For young children, dosing and age limits vary by indication; discuss with your pediatrician if relevant.
- If an overdose on pills is suspected, contact the Poisons Information Centre in Australia by calling 13 11 26 or proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.
For guidance on skipped doses, see i missed a dose procedure.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss taking a dose, take it as soon as you think of it. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Never take two doses concurrently to cover a i did not take a dose.
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Several medicines and substances can change how albendazole works or increase the risk of adverse sequelae. Provide a complete list of all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products to your clinician.
- The active ingredient cimetidine may increase albendazole levels
- The corticosteroid Dexamethasone and other corticosteroids may be used together in some proof of but require caution
- Praziquantel therapy approach can interact when used concurrently
- Theophylline, sometimes referred to as dimethylxanthine levels may be affected by albendazole
Not all items are shown in this list. Beverages with alcohol and tobacco can also influence treatment response. If unsure, consult your pharmacist or doctor and audit guardrails of safety through mitigating steps and monitoring in real time.
Risk controls and tracking and monitoring of performance
- Blood tests: Your clinician may request blood counts and liver function tests before and during treatment, especially for prolonged or repeated courses.
- Conception and fertility management: Avoid conceiving while on treatment and for at least one month after the final dose. Use reliable contraception and inform your prescriber if pregnancy is possible.
- Effects on alertness: Feeling dizzy or drowsy can occur. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Report worsening symptoms or lack of improvement to your healthcare provider without delay.
For more on undesirable effects, see significant drug medication side effects and ordinary secondary consequences.
If you have grave negative adverse effects, go to the nearest emergency department.
Although uncommon, some adverse reactions require immediate medical attention.
- Severe allergic reaction: widespread rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing
- Marked jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes indicating possible liver injury
- High fever, sore throat, signs of infection or sudden unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or ulcers in the mouth
- Seizure events, severe ache in the head, or visual disturbances
- Urination is painful or difficult that could indicate other complications
If you experience any of the above, seek emergency care or urgent medical advice promptly.
Common or mild latent effects
- A throbbing headaches or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
- Transient hair thinning in some patients
- Mild dizziness
If milder effects persist or become troublesome, contact your healthcare professional for advice. See critical health effects for signs that require urgent medical care.
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- Keep medications well out of reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool, dry place between 20 and 25 degrees C with the container closed.
- Use is not allowed after the expiry date. Unused or expired medicines should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Different options and similar pharmaceuticals
Treatment choice depends on the specific parasite and patient factors. Common backup options include:
- Mebendazole: often used for intestinal worms such as pinworm, roundworm and hookworm; some formulations are available OTC for limited uses found in Australia.
- Pyrantel pamoate: an OTC option for pinworm and certain roundworms; not effective for tissue-dwelling parasites.
- Praziquantel as an antiparasitic agent: preferred for tapeworm and fluke infections; prescription-only.
- Ivermectin: effective for strongyloidiasis and several other infections; requires a prescription.
- Nitazoxanide: used for particular protozoal infections; availability varies by indication and supplier.
In some cases albendazole is used in combination with other agents, such as praziquantel, when clinically indicated. For comparative cost information see price points data for Australia.
Australian retail costing model ranges in AUD
Prices vary by brand, pharmacy, and whether the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the medicine. The following are approximate private retail ranges and should be taken as indicative only.
- Albendazole 400 mg tablet: roughly AUD 20 to 60 per tablet without PBS subsidy; a full course cost depends on dose and duration.
- Mebendazole 100 mg (small OTC packs): approximately AUD 10 to 25 per pack.
- Pyrantel pamoate (single-dose liquids or tablets): about AUD 8 to 20 per pack or dose.
- Praziquantel therapy approach 600 mg tablet: roughly AUD 6 to 20 per tablet; total course price depends on required dosing.
- Ivermectin a 3 mg dose tablet: approximately AUD 3 to 8 per tablet; cost of a course varies with body weight.
When a medicine is listed on the PBS for a specific condition, your out-of-pocket expense may be reduced to the PBS co-payment level. Ask your prescriber or local pharmacist for up-to-date pricing and subsidy the data set.
General comparison: albendazole tends to be more costly per tablet than commonly available OTC options such as pyrantel or small packs of mebendazole, particularly when not subsidised.
Information about legality and access matters in Australia
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration, abbreviated as TGA, regulates medicines australia-based.
- Scheduling: Albendazole is typically Schedule 4, meaning prescription only; a valid Australian prescription is required to obtain it from a pharmacy.
- Over-the-counter options: Some choice variations like certain mebendazole and pyrantel products are available without a prescription for limited indicators of.
- PBS: Albendazole may be PBS-subsidised for specific diagnoses; otherwise it will be bought privately.
- Personal importation: The TGA Importation Blueprint for Personal Use may allow individuals to import up to a three month supply at a time for personal use, subject to restrictions. Always check and recheck. current TGA rules before importing medicines.
- Driving and safety at work: There is no legal prohibition tied to albendazole use, but you must not drive or operate machinery if you are impaired. See precautionary actions and watchful oversight.
For official and current guidance consult the TGA and PBS websites or speak with your pharmacist or prescriber.
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