It is an antihelminthic drug, a newer congener of mebendazole.  Mechanism of action is same as that of mebendazole. It inhibits glucose uptake into the helminth’s cells and depletes the glycogen storage. This is by binding to the beta-tubulin and preventing its polymerisation. Microtubules within the cells of the helminths disappear. The drugs inconsistently absorbed from the intestine. Absorption can increased by giving along with a fatty meal.

Adverse effects

Mostly GI symptoms, alopecia

Uses

Single dose 400 mg albenazole is given for hook worm, ascarias, enterobius. 400 mg daily for 3 days is given for strongyloides and tape worm. 400 mg twice daily for two weeks is given for neurocysticercosis. Should not be given in ocular cysticercosis as the reaction can cause blindness.

In hydatid disease, it is given as 400 mg twice daily for four weeks. Can be given before and after surgery and also in inoperable cases. Albenazole is also given in cutaneous larva migrans in a dose of 400 mg daily. Albendazole is used in filariasis along with diethyl carbamazine.

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