Albendazole
Albendazole is widely used in the United States through brand names like Albenza, Eskazole, and Zentel. Although the FDA has approved it solely for curing hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis, the drug is still used to treat pinworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Outside of the United States, specifically in Africa, the drug is used along with diethylcarbamazine to treat certain parasitic infections.
Albendazole works by destroying the intestinal cells of the worm. The drug prohibits the development of microtubules, which are important for glucose uptake during the larval and adult worm stages. Without this glucose, the worms’ energy stores are depleted and it eventually dies.
Albendazole is available through prescription only and the dosage depends on the type of helminth diagnosed. When curing hydatid disease, patients weighing more than 60 kilograms should take a 400 milligram dose twice a day via a tablet, with meals. For patients that weigh less than 60 kilograms, a 15 milligram in divided doses is given twice a day. The drug is administered in three 28 day cycles with a 14 day drug-free interval in between. When treating neurocysticerosis, an infection caused by pork tapeworms, the same doses are given, but the treatment interval is only eight to thirty days. If a dose is missed, it is recommended that patients contact their doctor, but continue to take the doses as directed, and not “double-dose.” The drug should always be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Side effects when using albendazole may include dizziness, heachache, vomiting, fever, nausea, and temporary hair loss. In very rare instances the drug may cause sore throat, seizures, vision problems, jaundice, mood changes, and allergic reactions. It is recommended that when taking albendazole for hookworms, iron supplements be taken to prevent anemia; however, it’s usually best to take guidance from a physician.