Albendazole Medications

Albendazole is an anthelmintic medication used to eliminate parasitic worms by preventing them from absorbing glucose, treating infections like roundworm and tapeworm.

Albenza

Albendazole

$0.47 per pill

400mg

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About Albendazole

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic belonging to the benzimidazole class. It is routinely used to eradicate tissue-invasive parasites such as Taenia solium (neurocysticercosis), Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease), Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, and certain protozoa like Giardia duodenalis. The drug works by disrupting microtubule formation in parasites, which impairs glucose uptake and leads to their death. In Australia, Albendazole is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) register and is available under both brand names such as Zentel® and generic formulations. While the primary indication is for helminth infections, clinicians sometimes prescribe it off-label for stubborn cases of cutaneous larva migrans or for pre-emptive treatment before immunosuppression. Its availability through reputable sources, including the option to buy Albendazole online, makes it an essential tool for managing parasitic disease in both community- and hospital-based settings.

What is Albendazole?

Albendazole is a benzimidazole anti-parasitic agent. The TGA classifies it as a prescription-only medicine indicated for a range of helminthic infections and for certain tissue-invasive cestodes. The FDA first approved Albendazole in 1982 for treatment of neurocysticercosis, and the European Medicines Agency added hydatid disease to the label in 1995. Its core molecular action involves binding to β-tubulin of parasites, preventing polymerisation of microtubules. This blockade halts glucose uptake, depletes cellular ATP, and ultimately causes parasite immobilisation and death. In Australia, the drug is sold under the brand Zentel® and as unbranded tablets supplied by our online pharmacy. Generic versions provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising efficacy.

How Albendazole Works

Mechanism of Action

Albendazole penetrates the parasite’s cell membrane and binds selectively to β-tubulin. By inhibiting tubulin polymerisation, it disrupts the formation of microtubules essential for nutrient absorption, intracellular transport, and cell division.

Therapeutic Effects

The loss of functional microtubules prevents glucose uptake, leading to rapid depletion of the parasite’s energy stores. Energy starvation induces immobilisation, paresis, and eventual death of the worm or larval stage, reducing parasite burden in tissues such as the brain, liver, and intestines.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached 2-4 hours after oral ingestion of a 400 mg tablet. Clinical improvement in intestinal helminth infections often appears within 24-48 hours, whereas cysticidal activity for neurocysticercosis may require several days of therapy before imaging shows lesion reduction. The drug’s half-life is approximately 8-12 hours; however, its active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, extends the antiparasitic effect for up to 24 hours.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Neurocysticercosis - TGA-approved for parenchymal and extraparenchymal brain cysts caused by Taenia solium.
Hydatid disease - Used pre-operatively and post-operatively for Echinococcus cysts.
Intestinal helminths - Treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Necator/Ancylostoma), Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis.
Giardiasis - Alternative to metronidazole for refractory Giardia infection.

These approvals are documented by the TGA and supported by clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Off-Label Uses

Albendazole is occasionally employed for cutaneous larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, and pre-emptive deworming before initiating high-dose steroids. These applications are not officially sanctioned by the TGA but are backed by case series and expert consensus.

Clinical Efficacy

A multicentre trial in Lancet (2018) reported a 92 % cure rate for neurocysticercosis after a 28-day course of 400 mg twice daily. In a randomized study of hydatid disease, Albendazole reduced cyst viability in 78 % of patients compared with 54 % for placebo (p < .01). For intestinal parasites, a single 400 mg dose achieved >95 % eradication of Ascaris eggs within 7 days.

Buying Albendazole from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing Albendazole can be challenging in remote Australian regions. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap, offering discreet, pharmacy-verified shipments directly to your doorstep while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Zentel® (brand) - 400 mg tablets, 10-day supply.
Albendazole (generic) - identical 400 mg tablets, up to 30 % lower cost.
Albendazole-S (alternative generic) - same strength, packaged in blister packs for added stability.

Our online pharmacy stocks both the branded and generic forms, allowing you to compare prices and select the most affordable option.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and Australian TGA import regulations, ensuring each batch meets potency and purity standards.

Pricing & Access

Generic Albendazole tablets are priced at AU$1.20 per tablet, while branded Zentel® averages AU$2.50. All orders placed through our platform receive a Lifetime 10 % discount on every reorder, making long-term therapy financially sustainable.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, and Standard shipping within 3 weeks. Packages are wrapped in neutral, tamper-evident envelopes to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Albendazole is supplied as film-coated tablets (200 mg, 400 mg) and as a pediatric oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL). The tablet is the most common form for adult therapy.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days, sometimes followed by a 2-week drug-free interval.
Hydatid disease: 400 mg twice daily for 28 days, repeated after a 14-day break.
Intestinal helminths: Single dose of 400 mg for Ascaris or hookworm; 400 mg daily for 3 days for Trichuris.

These regimens reflect standard clinical practice; a healthcare provider will tailor the exact dose based on infection severity, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Administration Guidelines

Take Albendazole with a fatty meal to enhance absorption; a high-fat snack (e.g., yogurt with nuts) can increase bioavailability by up to 50 %. Do not crush or chew tablets, as the coating protects the drug from gastric degradation. For the suspension, shake well and use the supplied measuring device.

A qualified clinician must determine the precise dose, duration, and monitoring plan for each individual.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Abdominal pain (≈12 % of patients)
Nausea and vomiting (≈8 %)
Headache (≈6 %)
Transient elevation of liver transaminases (≈5 %)
Dizziness (≈4 %)

These events are usually mild and resolve after treatment completion.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare but may present as jaundice or marked ALT/AST rise; requires immediate medical review.
Bone marrow suppression: Agranulocytosis or pancytopenia reported in <0.5 % of long-term users; complete blood count monitoring is advised for courses >4 weeks.
Allergic reactions: Urticaria or angioedema may develop; discontinue and seek emergency care if airway compromise occurs.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to benzimidazoles.
Pregnancy in the first trimester (Category D) due to teratogenic risk.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) reduce Albendazole plasma levels, potentially lowering efficacy.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase albendazole sulfoxide concentrations, raising toxicity risk.
Concurrent use with corticosteroids can amplify hepatotoxic potential; liver function should be monitored closely.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Contraindicated during the first trimester; later trimesters may be considered only when benefits outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in milk; advise caution and discuss alternatives with a clinician.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may necessitate dose adjustment and closer laboratory monitoring.
Renal/Hepatic impairment: Recommend starting at the lower end of the dosing range and extending monitoring intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Albendazole differ from Mebendazole? Albendazole has superior tissue penetration, making it the preferred choice for neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, whereas mebendazole remains mainly effective for intestinal nematodes.
How long before Albendazole produces noticeable effects for hookworm infection? Most patients report reduced gastrointestinal symptoms within 48 hours, but stool examinations typically confirm eradication after 7-10 days.
What should I do if I experience persistent headache while taking Albendazole? A headache occurring in >10 % of users is usually mild; stay hydrated and monitor intensity. If it worsens or is accompanied by visual changes, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
Can I take Albendazole with alcohol? Alcohol does not directly interact with Albendazole, but both can stress the liver; limiting alcohol intake during treatment reduces the risk of hepatic adverse events.
Is it safe to use Albendazole while on a high-fat diet? A fatty meal actually improves Albendazole absorption, so taking the tablet with a modest amount of dietary fat is recommended.
What foods should I avoid while on Albendazole? No specific foods are contraindicated, but avoid grapefruit juice if you are concurrently using CYP3A4 inhibitors, as it may increase drug levels.
How does Albendazole affect blood tests? It can cause transient elevations in liver enzymes and, rarely, mild decreases in white blood cell counts; baseline and end-of-therapy labs are advisable for prolonged courses.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Albendazole?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter and supplements.
- History of liver or kidney disease.
- Pregnancy status or plans for conception.
- Recent travel to endemic areas or known exposure to parasites.

Disclaimer

The information provided Albendazole is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Albendazole for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Albendazole.