Albendazole is an antiparasitic remedy widely used to treat infections caused by various intestinal and tissue parasites and giardiasis in children.
This medicine can be purchased in conventional pharmacies as the trade name of Zentel, Parazin, Monozol or Albentel, in the form of pills or syrup, for a price of about 6 to 10 reais depending on the brand and the pharmaceutical form.
What is it for
Albendazole is a medicine with anthelmintic and antiprotozoal activity and is indicated for the treatment against the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides , Enterobius vermicularis , Necator americanus , Ancylostoma duodenale , Trichuris trichiura , Strongyloides stercoralis , Taenia spp. and Hymenolepis nana .
In addition, it can also be used to treat opistorchiasis, caused by Opisthorchis viverrini and against cutaneous larva migrans, as well as giardiasis in children, caused by Giardia lamblia, G. duodenalis, G. intestinalis.
See what symptoms can indicate that you really have worms and what tests to find out what type of worm.
How to take
The dose of Albendazole varies according to the intestinal worm and the pharmaceutical form in question. The tablets can be chewed with the help of a little water, especially in children, and can also be crushed. In the case of oral suspension, just drink the liquid.
The recommended dose depends on the parasite that is causing the infection, according to the following table:
| Indications | Age | Dose | Period |
| Adults and children over 2 years old | 400 mg or a 40 mg / ml vial of the suspension | Single dose | |
| Adults and children over 2 years old | 400 mg or a 40 mg / ml vial of the suspension | 1 dose per day for 3 days | |
| Children from 2 to 12 years old | 400 mg or a 40 mg / ml vial of the suspension | 1 dose per day for 5 days | |
| Cutaneous larva migrans | Adults and children over 2 years old | 400 mg or a 40 mg / ml vial of the suspension | 1 dose per day for 1 to 3 days |
| Opisthorchis viverrini | Adults and children over 2 years old | 400 mg or a 40 mg / ml vial of the suspension | 2 doses a day for 3 days |
All elements living in the same house must undergo treatment.
Possible side effects
Side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fever and hives.
Who should not take
This medicine is contraindicated for pregnant women, women who wish to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. In addition, it should also not be used by people with hypersensitivity to any component of the formula.
