Albendazole is a broad spectrum antihelmintic and antiprotozoal medication of the benzimidazole type. It treats a range of parasitic infections, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flatworms that affect the intestines and other tissues, by binding to parasite proteins and disrupting their ability to absorb nutrients and reproduce. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Common side effects include nausea and headache, and rare serious complications can include suppression of bone marrow; the drug was developed in 1975 and has been used in humans since 1982.
Facts
Drug ClassBroad-spectrum antihelmintic and antiprotozoal (benzimidazole) 1 Mechanism of ActionDisrupts parasite metabolism and microtubules by targeting tubulin polymerization 1 Approved UseFDA-approved for hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskRare bone marrow suppression; liver inflammation 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountP: Antiparasitic Products, Insecticides and Repellents 2 Route of Administration WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account Sources
1. Albendazole (Wikipedia)
Lead section, paragraph 1
broad-spectrum antihelmintic and antiprotozoal agent of the benzimidazole type
Ivermectin/albendazole
albendazole disrupts the parasite's metabolism and microtubules by targeting tubulin polymerization
Medical uses
only FDA-approved for treating hydatid disease caused by dog tapeworm larvae and neurocysticercosis
Lead section, paragraph 2
Rare but potentially serious side effects include bone marrow suppression
History section, patent and introduction paragraph
It was introduced in 1977 as an antihelminthic for sheep in Australia, and was registered for human use in 1982.
- Regulatory approval status
View the Source2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code PQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code P
Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents
3. Albendazole (Wikipedia)
WikipediaInfobox drug, routes_of_administrationQuote, Infobox drug, routes_of_administration
By mouth
4. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Antifilarials sectionQuote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Antifilarials section
Albendazole
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