Albendazole serves as an anthelmintic and is therefore used for worm infections. Ingestion kills worms in the intestines and removes worms. Albendazole must not be taken during pregnancy.
What is albendazole?
Albendazole is counted to the anthelmintics. These are drugs that are used to treat worm infections.
In addition, albendazole can also be used in case of protozoan infestation. Pure albendazole is a white to slightly yellowish, crystalline powder. It's odorless. Since albendazole is lipophilic (fat-loving), it can hardly be dissolved in water.
It is also only sparingly soluble in organic solvents. Instead, albendazole can be dissolved in alcohol. Chemically it is counted to the benzimidazole carbamates. It can only be obtained with a prescription.
Pharmacological effect
Albendazole only enters the human bloodstream in small quantities. The amounts in the blood after taking albendazole are rapidly broken down in the liver.
The residual amount of albendazole that gets into the body is responsible for the possible side effects listed below. Mainly, albendazole affects the metabolism of worms and protozoa that have invaded the body. On the one hand, albendazole inhibits the build-up of microtubules in the cells of the worms. These are protein constructions that stabilize the cells. They are made up of beta tubulin. Human cells also contain microtubules.
However, the binding affinity of albendazole for the beta-tubulin of worms is greater than the binding affinity for the beta-tubulin produced by human cells. On the other hand, albendazole inhibits, i.e. makes it more difficult, the absorption of sugars. The worm, weakened in this way and hampered in its feeding, dies and is finally excreted in the stool. Albendazole is also effective against the larval stages and eggs of worms. Therefore, complete deworming is achieved with treatment with albendazole.
Medical application & use
Albendazole is taken orally in the form of tablets. Albendazole should be taken with food, as the effect of albendazole is increased by the fat contained in the food.
The dosage is based on the information provided by the attending physician. Albendazole is used to treat different types of worms in the body. Treatment with albendazole is indicated if there is an infection with one or more of the following roundworms: hookworms (Ankylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus), pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis), whipworms (Trichuris trichjura), roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) and / or (Strongyloides stercoralis).
Treatment with albendazole is also indicated if there is an infestation with the Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis), a suction worm, or the suction worm Opisthorchis viverrini. In the case of an infestation with tapeworms, albendazole is only used if there is also an infestation with nematodes. Albendazole can be used against the following tapeworms as part of a multiple parasitosis:
Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) and dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepsis nana). In addition, albendazole can also be used for infection with Giardia lamblia. However, albendazole should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Albendazole is also not suitable for children who are younger than six years. Albendazole can be prescribed together with the anthelmintic praziquantel because the interactions between the two drugs increase the effectiveness of albendazole.
Risks & side effects
When using Albendazole As with any other drug, side effects can occur. Occasionally, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness occur after taking albendazole.
Occasionally, hair loss, fever and nosebleeds can also occur. A decrease in white blood cells and changes in liver tissue can also occasionally be observed. Anemia can occur less frequently. Very rarely does albendazole affect the skin. In such cases, itching, hives and rashes develop.
Because of the possible effect on blood cells and liver tissue, blood counts and liver values should be checked with each treatment. The control should be carried out at regular intervals. This is particularly the case with long-term use of albendazole.
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