Adults

For common intestinal worms (Ascariasis, Hookworm, Enterobiasis, Trichuriasis): 400 mg as a single dose. For Strongyloidiasis/Taeniasis: 400 mg once daily for 3 days. For Hydatid disease/Neurocysticercosis: Dosage varies, often 400 mg twice daily with food for specific durations (e.g., 8-30 days for neurocysticercosis, cycles for hydatid).

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but close monitoring of renal and hepatic function is advised, especially during prolonged treatment.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment is typically needed for patients with renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases due to potential accumulation of metabolites.

Onset

Systemic effects are generally observed within hours. Therapeutic effects against various worm infections depend on the worm type and location.

Excretion

Primarily excreted in the urine as metabolites (less than 1% as unchanged drug). Some biliary excretion also occurs.

Half life

The plasma half-life of the active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, is approximately 8-12 hours.

Absorption

Poorly absorbed (<5%) from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption is significantly increased (up to 5-fold) when taken with a fatty meal.

Metabolism

Undergoes rapid and extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver to the primary active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, which is then further metabolized to inactive sulfone and other metabolites.

Cimetidine, Dexamethasone, Praziquantel

May increase the plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide, potentially leading to increased side effects.

Ritonavir, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital

May decrease the plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide, potentially reducing its efficacy.