Albendazole Capsules Compounded

Description

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:

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Headache

Dizziness

Elevated liver enzymes

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

– Do NOT use in pregnancy because it may cause birth defects (especially during the first trimester)

– Pregnancy testing recommended before therapy

– Contraception recommended during chronic therapy and for one month after last dose

– Breastfeeding: Albendazole is present in breast milk

– Caution in patients with liver disease/dysfunction

– Albendazole metabolized in the liver

– Liver disease may alter levels of active drug
– Avoid alcohol

– Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles should avoid it

References

– Larrabure P. Albendazole Dosage Guide: Safe Use, Side Effects & How to Save [Internet]. QuickRx. 2025 [cited 2026 Jul 6]. Available from: https://quickrxspecialty.pharmacy/albendazole-dosage-guide-side-effects-copay-assistance/

– Lexi-Drugs [Internet]. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. c2026. Albendazole; [updated 2026 May 16, cited 2026 Jul 5]. Available from: https://online.lexi.com/

– Malik K, Dua A. Albendazole. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553082/

– Mentor P. Pharmacology of Albendazole [Internet]. Pharmacology Mentor | Expert insights in Pharmacology. 2023 [cited 2026 Jul 6]. Available from: https://pharmacologymentor.com/pharmacology-of-albendazole/#google_vignette

– Team PFE, Rajput HS. Mechanism of Action of Albendazole [Internet]. Pharmacy Freak Editorial Team. 2025 [cited 2026 Jul 6]. Available from: https://pharmacyfreak.com/mechanism-of-action-of-albendazole/#google_vignette