Adults

For common intestinal worms (e.g., Roundworm, Hookworm, Pinworm, Whipworm): 400 mg as a single dose. For Strongyloidiasis or Taeniasis: 400 mg once daily for 3 days. For Hydatid disease or Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily for varying durations depending on the condition, usually with meals.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients with normal renal and hepatic function.

Renal_impairment

No dosage adjustment is considered necessary for patients with renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.

Onset

Variable, depends on the type of worm infection and site; typically, effects begin within 1-2 days.

Excretion

Primarily excreted via bile as metabolites; less than 1% is excreted renally as albendazole sulfoxide.

Half life

Parent drug: <1 hour. Active metabolite (albendazole sulfoxide): 8-12 hours.

Absorption

Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (<5%), but absorption is significantly increased with a fatty meal. It rapidly undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism.

Metabolism

Rapidly and extensively metabolized in the liver to its primary active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide.

Theophylline

Albendazole may increase plasma levels of theophylline; monitor theophylline levels.

Grapefruit juice

May increase absorption of albendazole.

Cimetidine, Dexamethasone, Praziquantel

May increase plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide, leading to increased exposure and potential for side effects.