Albendazole Capsules Compounded

Indications & Treatment

• Albendazole (Albenza) is an anthelmintic, or anti-worm, medication in the benzimidazole class. Considered broad-spectrum.
  • FDA-approved medication
• It treats infections caused by parasitic worms (helminths) by preventing their growth and multiplication
  • Used in both human and veterinary medicine

Mechanism of Action

• Albendazole sulfoxide is the active metabolite
• It selectively binds to a protein called beta-tubulin, which parasites need to form cellular skeletons (microtubules). By preventing the formation of these microtubules, the parasite cannot maintain its structural integrity, reproduction, attachment to tissues, and other cellular functions.
  • The loss of microtubules prevents the parasites from absorbing glucose and depletes their glycogen (energy) stores.
  • Albendazole has selective toxicity because its affinity for helminth tubulin is greater than for human (mammalian) tubulin.
• The decrease in energy production will starve the parasite of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This loss of energy will gradually lead to immobilization and parasite death.
  • Interrupts parasitic life cycle
  • Can kill adult worms and larvae
  • Not guaranteed to kill parasitic eggs (may require a second dose 2 weeks after the first dose to catch worms that hatch from surviving eggs)

Treatment of Parasitic Infections

• Intestinal nematodes
  • Pinworms (enterobiasis) – a common parasitic infection, especially in children
  • Roundworms (ascariasis)
  • Hookworms
  • Whipworms (trichuriasis)
• Tissue parasites
  • Neurocysticercosis – pork tapeworm larvae in brain/CNS
  • Hydatid disease – dog tapeworm larvae in the liver/lungs
• Specific protozoa species
  • Giardiasis – intestinal infection

Albendazole may take a few days to weeks to work. Improvement can be seen in a few days for simple infections (pinworms). A more complicated infection may take 1-2 weeks for complete elimination of the parasite.

Albendazole Does NOT Kill:

• Majority of protozoa species
  • Cryptosporidium or amoebas
• Trematodes (flukes)
  • Flatworms (blood flukes)
• Ectoparasites
  • Lice, scabies, ticks, etc.

How Albendazole Compares to Similar Treatments

• Albendazole vs Mebendazole
  • Both are in benzimidazoles drug class
• Mebendazole better for localized pinworm or mild roundworm infections
• Albendazole has better systemic absorption and greater broad-spectrum activity
  • Higher cure rates against hookworm (>72%)
  • Better CNS penetration → helpful for treating central nervous system infections (neurocysticercosis)
  • Albendazole preferred in infections with multiple parasites

Monitoring & Safety

Commonly seen side effects include:

Monitoring: For prolonged treatment, blood tests may be ordered to monitor liver function and blood cell counts

Administration & Formulations

• Typically taken with food
  • Poor solubility and absorption in humans
  • Fatty foods improve absorption and effectiveness
• Can come as tablets, capsules, or oral suspension/solution
  • Tablets can be crushed, chewed, or swallowed with a drink of water if the patient has difficulty swallowing

Warnings & Contraindications

References