Pronunciation:

(al BEN da zole)

U.S. Brand Names:

Generic Available:

Use:

Use - Unlabeled/Investigational:

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

Pregnancy Implications:

Lactation:

Contraindications:

Warnings/Precautions:

Neurocysticercosis: Corticosteroids should be administered 1-2 days before albendazole therapy to minimize inflammatory reactions. Steroid and anticonvulsant therapy should be used concurrently during the first week of therapy to prevent cerebral hypertension. If retinal lesions exist, weigh risk of further retinal damage due to albendazole-induced changes to the retinal lesion vs benefit of disease treatment.

Adverse Reactions:

N = Neurocysticercosis; H = Hydatid disease

>10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (11% - N; 1% - H)

Hepatic: LFTs Increased (~15% - H; <1% - N)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness, vertigo, fever (1%); intracranial pressure increased (1% - N), meningeal signs (1% - N)

Dermatologic: Alopecia (2% - H; <1% - N)

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (6% - H; 0% - N); nausea/vomiting (3% to 6%)

Hematologic: Leukopenia (reversible) (<1%)

Miscellaneous: Allergic reactions (<1%)

<1%: Acute renal failure, agranulocytopenia, allergic reaction, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, rash, thrombocytopenia, urticaria

Drug Interactions:

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions:

Mechanism of Action:

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics:

Absorption: <5%; may increase up to 4-5 times when administered with a fatty meal

Distribution: Well inside hydatid cysts and CSF

Protein binding: 70%

Metabolism: Hepatic; extensive first-pass effect; pathways include rapid sulfoxidation (major), hydrolysis, and oxidation

Half-life elimination: 8-12 hours

Time to peak, serum: 2-2.4 hours

Excretion: Urine (<1% as active metabolite); feces

Dosage:

Children:

Cysticercus cellulosae (unlabeled use): 15 mg/kg/day (maximum: 800 mg/day) in 2 divided doses for 8-30 days; may be repeated as necessary

Echinococcus granulosus (tapeworm) (unlabeled use): 15 mg/kg/day (maximum: 800 mg) divided twice daily for 1-6 months

Children and Adults:

Neurocysticercosis:

<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses (maximum: 800 mg/day) for 8-30 days

60 kg: 400 mg twice daily for 8-30 days

Note: Give concurrent anticonvulsant and steroid therapy during first week.

Hydatid:

<60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses (maximum: 800 mg/day)

60 kg: 400 mg twice daily

Note: Administer dose for three 28-day cycles with a 14-day drug-free interval in between.

Ancylostoma caninum, Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus (hookworms) (unlabeled use): 400 mg as a single dose

Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke) (unlabeled use): 10 mg/kg for 7 days

Cutaneous larva migrans (unlabeled use): 400 mg once daily for 3 days

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) (unlabeled use): 400 mg as a single dose; may repeat in 2 weeks

Gnathostoma spinigerum (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 21 days

Gongylonemiasis (unlabeled use): 10 mg/kg/day for 3 days

Mansonella perstans (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 10 days

Visceral larva migrans (toxocariasis) (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 5 days

Adults:

Cysticercus cellulosae (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 8-30 days; may be repeated as necessary

Disseminated microsporidiosis (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily

Echinococcus granulosus (tapeworm) (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 1-6 months

Intestinal microsporidiosis (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily for 21 days

Ocular microsporidiosis (unlabeled use): 400 mg twice daily, in combination with fumagillin

Administration:

Monitoring Parameters:

Dietary Considerations:

Patient Education:

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment:

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions:

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status:

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment:

Dosage Forms:

International Brand Names: