Albendazole first emerged from the search for effective, broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drugs. Scientists, frustrated with older options like mebendazole and thiabendazole, followed leads showing better results against stubborn parasites. George L. Campbell and his colleagues developed it in the 1970s, then SmithKline discovered just how well it fought intestinal worms and tapeworms. Approval followed in many countries during the 1980s. The story owes a lot to public health efforts in places where soil-transmitted helminths cause real misery, from rural Bangladesh to the Amazon, sparking mass drug-administration campaigns worldwide.
Albendazole is sold in tablet and suspension forms. You pick it up in 200 mg or 400 mg dosages most places. Doctors trust it for roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, threadworm, and tapeworm infestations. Veterinary versions handle parasites in sheep, cattle, and goats. Its rapid kill rate has changed how farmers approach deworming. Big projects, like WHO's campaign against lymphatic filariasis, have millions swallowing albendazole every year.
Albendazole sits in white to off-white crystalline powder form. It barely dissolves in water but mixes better in organic solvents, so food helps the body absorb more of it. Structurally, it goes by C12H15N3O2S. You watch for its melting point hovering around 208°C. Chemists label it as a benzimidazole derivative because of its rigid, two-ring core with a thioether side chain. It’s stable under routine storage, not prone to breaking down in heat or light, which helps its shelf life in rough climates.
Pharmacopoeias, like USP and BP, set crisp standards: each tablet or bottle gets clearly labeled for human or animal use. Labels list the manufacturer, batch number, expiration date, and storage instructions. Industry sets acceptable impurity levels, and regulators require statement of risks for pregnant women and children. Shipping documents must show compliance with international Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The quality checks cover content uniformity, dissolution, and purity to spot degraded or counterfeit drugs—an ongoing issue in global health.
The most common method still uses methyl 5-propylthio-2-benzimidazolecarbamate as the core. Chemists typically perform cyclization of o-phenylenediamine with methyl chloroformate, then introduce the propylthio group and finally add the carbamate ring. A focus on cost efficiency has led to tweaks that minimize hazardous waste and optimize yields. Most production lines now recycle solvents, and some newer systems use green chemistry steps to cut down on environmental footprint.
The benzimidazole core opens a door for subtle tweaks. Researchers add new groups to the aromatic ring or modify the thioether chain to battle resistance in parasites. Some labs replace the sulfur bridge to target resistant tapeworm species. Other work swaps in polar groups in hopes of boosting water solubility. These changes sometimes improve binding to parasite enzymes but often bring trade-offs on toxicity or stability. Drug developers must chase a careful balance with every tweak.
Pharmacists and farm supply dealers swap names for albendazole: Zentel, Eskazole, Albenza, Valbazen, and Andazol hit the shelves in different regions. Catalogs and research papers might call it by its chemical moniker, methyl [5-(propylthio)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]carbamate. Its international nonproprietary name keeps things clear across borders, so a rural doctor in India and a clinician in Brazil know they are reaching for the same medicine.
Albendazole comes with concrete do’s and don’ts. Health workers screen out pregnant women, since animal studies link it to fetal risk during organ development. Common side effects—nausea, headache, mild abdominal pain, and rash—usually fade fast. Long-term use in hydatid disease patients can stress liver function, so regular blood tests track for issues. National agencies insist on clear safety data before approving new generics. Guidelines spell out how to store, transport, and dispose of unused drugs, especially in rural zones where dumping can pollute water supplies or harm animals.
The biggest impact of albendazole comes in public health campaigns. Nonprofits and ministries of health hand it out in schools, targeting dozens of worm species in hot, rainy regions. Doctors rely on it for individual patients with tapeworm, hydatid cysts, or neurocysticercosis. In animal health, ranchers administer it to livestock every spring and fall. Its effectiveness in mixed infections—where more than one parasite latches on—is one reason why international agencies invested so much in free mass treatment programs, triggering steep drops in worm-borne disease. In research, its action against the parasite’s tubulin has inspired work on similar treatments for other organisms.
The research pipeline for antiparasitic drugs has felt the squeeze since pharmaceutical companies chased bigger markets in cardiology and oncology. Still, new work re-engineers albendazole for better absorption and lower dosing, such as nano-formulations or lipid carriers that help it slip through the gut wall. Device makers are exploring slow-release implants for livestock, cutting down on dosing frequency. Collaboration with universities tries to stay ahead of parasite resistance, sequencing the genes that let nematodes shrug off the drug. Recent studies even check whether drug cocktails—combining albendazole with ivermectin or newer benzimidazoles—can hold back emerging resistance patterns in difficult field settings.
Researchers take toxicity seriously, measuring safety margins for humans and animals. Albendazole breaks down in the liver, forming albendazole sulfoxide as its active metabolite. Long-term toxicity studies in rodents showed some risk of bone marrow suppression at high doses, which pushed doctors to watch for rare white blood cell drops in human therapy. Animal studies at very high exposure hint at teratogenicity, but regular deworming doses in people show little evidence of lasting harm apart from rare allergic responses. Programs that distribute millions of pills annually track side effects closely, often using mobile apps and text message alerts to spot problems faster. Safe disposal and controlled batch release keep contaminated or substandard products out of circulation. Toxicologists continue digging through data to refine dose guidance for sensitive groups, including young children and women of childbearing age.
Looking ahead, the value of albendazole stretches beyond its original use for roundworms. Climate change and migration patterns could push worm infections into new territories, raising demand for shelf-stable, broadly effective drugs. Digital health tracking might make it easier to catch side effects and resistance flare-ups and to target dosing more precisely. Interest grows in customized dosage forms, such as chewable tablets for children or combination pills for mass campaign efficiency. On the horizon, new chemical cousins of albendazole might clear up hard-to-treat infections or leap biological barriers to reach parasites in the brain or liver. Continued attention to environmental safety—like reducing residues in meat and water—will shape production standards for both human and veterinary uses. As more data pours in from mass campaigns, the lessons from albendazole’s long run could shape how health agencies tackle the next generation of parasitic infections.
You might not hear people talking about albendazole at dinner, but in clinics and hospitals around the world, it’s a common name, especially for doctors and health workers treating infections in places where parasites cause real problems. Albendazole stands for more than a pill; it often marks the difference between sickness and a healthy life.
Let’s cut through the jargon. Albendazole doesn’t exist for headaches or the common cold. This medication fights infections caused by worms that sneak into human guts and tissues. Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms – they sound like creatures from a horror story, but they’re an everyday threat for millions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists albendazole as one of its main lines of defense against these pests.
Growing up, I spent some time in regions where clean water wasn’t always on tap, and kids missed school because their bellies ached from worms. That’s where public health programs brought in mass albendazole treatments. Regular doses didn’t just help the kids feel better; grades improved, and doctors noticed, over time, fewer cases of malnutrition. The impact stretched beyond the clinic, reshaping communities and giving kids a fighting chance.
Albendazole also plays a key role in fighting the parasites that cause elephantiasis and river blindness. These aren’t just names out of a textbook; in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, people lose their sight or suffer from swollen limbs because of parasites. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed mass distribution campaigns with albendazole as part of disease elimination strategies.
Studies published in The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine confirm that with repeated use, communities see sharp drops in infection rates. As a result, less disability, fewer work days lost, and more families staying together. These aren’t statistics to gloss over. They matter for any society trying to climb out of poverty.
No drug comes without risk. Doctors keep an eye out for potential liver and bone marrow side effects, especially if patients take albendazole over several weeks. Routine blood tests help catch trouble early. Most people taking this medication for a short worm infection hardly notice a thing besides relief. Compare that relief to the endless itch and pain untreated infections bring, and it feels like a fair trade-off.
Albendazole isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s hard to exaggerate its global role. For areas where parasitic infections keep cycling through generations, tablets of albendazole, safe water campaigns, and better sanitation work hand in hand. The medication alone doesn’t fix poverty or cure hunger. Governments, non-profits, and doctors must focus on getting clean toilets, teaching about hand washing, and ensuring medicines like albendazole never run short, especially in remote towns.
Experience shows that basic health tools, like albendazole, rooted in sound science and delivered with respect for local culture, can move the needle. My own encounters with health workers in rural clinics always left me impressed—not just by what medicine can do, but by what communities can accomplish with a little support and reliable resources.
Dealing with intestinal parasites throws anyone off their daily rhythm. Albendazole, a prescription medicine, comes as a relief when it comes to roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, whipworms, or tapeworms. It works by targeting and killing the invaders, helping people believe they can feel healthy again. Taking it the right way makes the difference between success and wasted effort.
Doctors use body weight, age, and type of infection to figure out how much albendazole works for each person. Adults often get a higher dose than children, but nobody should guess. Getting help from a healthcare provider stays important, both for dosing and for timing. Some infections call for just one tablet, others need a repeat a few weeks later, especially if the first treatment didn't clear everything up. Skipping doses or stopping early can leave parasites alive, leading to repeat infections or even resistance.
Many doctors say swallow albendazole with food, especially something fatty, to boost how well the body absorbs it. A glass of milk or eating with a meal makes the medicine work better. Swallowing the tablet whole works for most folks, but crushing or chewing may help kids or adults who struggle to swallow pills.
Nausea, stomach pain, or headaches show up for some after taking albendazole. Most people get through it with minor discomfort, but there’s a small group who find themselves itchy or breaking out in a rash. In rare cases, fever and sore throat can signal bigger trouble. Keep in touch with the healthcare provider if anything doesn’t feel right. Mixing albendazole with alcohol or grapefruit juice isn’t wise, as it can make side effects stronger or mess with how the medicine works.
Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant should steer clear of it unless a doctor feels the need outweighs the risk. Long-term use in young children, or for extended periods, calls for close medical supervision. Liver problems, kidney issues, or certain blood disorders make albendazole a trickier choice. Honest conversations with healthcare providers help avoid unpleasant surprises.
Self-diagnosing parasite infections has led some people down the wrong road, wasting weeks on herbal remedies and over-the-counter concoctions. Using albendazole without medical advice risks missing hidden infections, using the wrong dose, or missing early warning signs of side effects. Healthcare providers lean on blood tests or stool samples to confirm what they’re dealing with and to choose the right medicine plan.
Washing hands, keeping fingernails short, and wearing shoes outside cuts down on new infections. Washing underwear and bed sheets in hot water does the same. Getting others in the house checked, especially kids, often stops the parasite merry-go-round from spinning again. Following the doctor’s instructions to the letter gives albendazole the best shot at working, letting folks get back to their lives.
Doctors turn to albendazole for a simple reason: it works against a long list of parasites. More people use it than you might think, especially in areas where certain infections show up often. Sometimes, folks take it only once, sometimes as part of a longer plan to fight stubborn parasites.
Regular folks—who might not spend much time reading prescription information—deserve straight talk about side effects. You swallow a pill expecting to feel better, so any strange feeling can worry you. Nausea pops up for some. A mild belly ache or some dizziness gets chalked up as “normal” but doesn’t feel nice at all. During my college trip to rural Southeast Asia, I joined in for a round of deworming. Three hours in, my stomach started protesting, and so did a few friends'. Most of us just waited it out, and nothing serious happened—just an afternoon spent lying down wishing the queasiness would hurry up and leave.
Rashes sometimes show up. Headaches sneak in, which can mess with your day. I remember one neighbor who called it a “head cloud”—not sharp pain, just a fuzzy feeling she wanted gone.
Some people get feverish or sweat more than usual. Children might seem extra cranky. For most, these issues fade away in a day or two.
Most people never see the rare side effects, but stories from medical volunteers remind us—anything is possible. Few end up with liver irritation. Blood tests done during longer courses sometimes ring alarm bells. If a doctor suggests more lab work, there’s a reason: liver function can sometimes go sideways. Yellowing of the skin or eyes means stop and get checked out, no question.
Hair rarely falls out, but I’ve watched a friend on longer albendazole treatment notice more strands in her brush. Blood issues like low white cells can crop up (white cells keep infection at bay). People on long treatments—like refugees or those fighting serious parasite infections—may need regular checkups.
Though rare, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing slam the brakes on any drug plan. My uncle had a scary moment after taking a medicine for worms (we never learned if it was the exact same drug), and raced to the ER. Doctors say always let them know, since allergies can get out of hand fast.
Ways to dodge problems exist. Doctors recommend always taking the drug after food to cut back on stomach upset. Taking too much increases risks—so stick to the instructions. Parents should keep pills out of little hands, because mistakes with dosing pop up more often than you’d think.
Anyone with liver trouble or pregnant folks need special plans. Not all medicines work the same for everyone—personal health history counts. In big public health campaigns, nurses answer questions and remind people to flag any problems, so follow-up is possible.
No two bodies react the same way. Hearing what “might” happen carries less weight than seeing what actually does. Real stories—whether it’s stomach upset or rare liver issues—remind us not to shrug off what feels truly odd. Open conversations and honest follow-up turn a simple pill into something we trust, because everyone knows what to watch for and how to speak up.
Pregnancy changes the way people think about nearly everything—from diet habits right down to the medicines they once took for granted. Albendazole, an antiparasitic drug, pops up pretty often, especially for families living or working in places where worm infections run rampant. It usually works well for treating nasty parasites like roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. The worry creeps in, though, when someone is expecting a baby or feeding one. So, does taking albendazole belong anywhere near those stages of life?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies albendazole as a pregnancy category C drug. That means animal studies have shown harm to an unborn baby, but researchers couldn't find enough studies on people to settle the question. Few parents want to be test cases. Researchers found birth defects in rats and rabbits, mostly when given doses higher than doctors would typically prescribe. Still, there's no guarantee the same outcomes would happen in people, but the possibility stays on the table.
Doctors usually steer pregnant people away from albendazole unless the risk of leaving an infection untreated looks even scarier. Certain parasitic diseases, like neurocysticercosis, can ruin a parent’s health and threaten the baby’s life if ignored. So, if a mother faces a life-threatening infection, a doctor might look at all risks and benefits, making sure not to jump to albendazole unless nothing else works. National health guidelines in places like the US or UK tell providers to avoid this medication in the first trimester. Waiting until after delivery offers the safest bet for the baby’s developing organs, at least if the infection can hold off.
After the baby arrives, moms face another round of puzzle pieces. The risks of albendazole while nursing haven’t received much focus in research. There’s some evidence that the medicine does show up in breast milk, though at levels far below what’s used to treat an actual infection. So far, doctors haven’t seen any clear harm in breastfed infants, but that gap in hard knowledge doesn’t sit well for most families.
I grew up in a rural community where helminth infections popped up more than anyone wanted to admit. Neighbors sometimes juggled feeding babies and treating their infections at the same time, trusting local doctors to keep an eye out for reactions and adjust the timing of the dose. Some experts suggest pausing breastfeeding for a day or two after taking a dose, but evidence behind this guidance stays slim. The World Health Organization considers a single dose of albendazole compatible with breastfeeding, but it's always best to check with a healthcare provider who sees the whole family story.
Trust between doctor and patient grows when people lay out their fears and trade-offs. No one should face gut-wrenching choices because of a lack of research or access to safer medication. More investments in drug studies—including in pregnant and breastfeeding populations—could answer these questions for good. Until that happens, personal stories and shared experience matter. Choices made together with healthcare providers, who listen and explain risks plainly, help each family get closer to real safety.
Albendazole treats parasitic worm infections—an issue plenty of folks face, especially in places where sanitation falls short or animals live near people. From schoolchildren in rural areas to international travelers, the question about getting Albendazole isn’t just medical. It’s about access, cost, and protecting families from illnesses that can sideline kids or keep adults off work.
In places like the United States, you can only buy Albendazole at a pharmacy with a prescription. Doctors typically diagnose the kind of infection first, then prescribe the right amount and length of treatment. Pharmacies won’t sell it over the counter. Other countries, usually those hit harder by parasitic diseases, may let people buy the tablets without seeing a doctor, partly because medical services run thin and parasites hit more often. For folks in rural India, parts of Africa, or South America, locking up a useful medication behind a doctor’s visit isn’t always possible. The public health groups sometimes hand it out freely during deworming campaigns to kids in schools.
Self-diagnosing can mislead people. Symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever might come from dozens of causes, not only worms. Taking the wrong medicine brings more trouble—side effects, missed real diagnoses, or even helping some worms resist treatment. I’ve seen people load up on the wrong tablets hoping to treat themselves, only to come back sicker. Medicines like Albendazole carry risks, from headaches and dizzy spells to rare but dangerous liver problems. Blood count changes and allergic reactions add another layer of worry. In my experience, seeing someone monitor side effects or adjust the dose after lab tests gives a better shot at getting all the worms—without danger to the patient.
The rise in counterfeit or low-quality medications, especially in parts of Africa and Asia, steers people toward prescriptions. Reliable pharmacies and regulated sources guard against fake tablets mixed with powders or contaminants. Recent reports from the World Health Organization highlight how fake medicines worsen disease and can cause deaths—one more reason trusted healthcare sources matter.
Doctors, pharmacies, and regulations all cost money. Some families struggle to pay for appointments or travel hours to clinics just to get a prescription, let alone the tablets. That reality frustrates people—parents want something quick, safe, and affordable if their child keeps missing school due to stomach bugs or worms. Public health campaigns can bridge those gaps by bringing deworming pills to schools or community centers, but not everyone benefits. Health insurance in many places doesn’t cover these specific drugs, putting another hurdle in front of families trying to stay healthy.
Local education makes a difference. Simple information about clean water, handwashing, and safe food cuts the rate of worm infections dramatically. Community outreach programs that distribute medicine and information together bring both sides of the problem—prevention and cure—into focus. In places where doctors and pharmacists are scarce, community health workers can connect the dots for families, explain how to watch for drug reactions, and make sure nobody just keeps guessing about dosages or symptoms.
Medication like Albendazole works best with a safety net—diagnosis, advice, trusted supply. Leaving people on their own creates gaps that parasites slip through, or worse, that risky medicines exploit. Connecting people to healthcare and cutting the confusion about rules for prescriptions lowers both harm and disease rates. A model that gives doctors, pharmacists, and families a chance to work together proves stronger than leaving folks to navigate the medicine aisle alone.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | methyl N-(6-propylsulfanyl-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)carbamate |
| Other names |
Eskazole Zentel Andazol Alworm Valbazen |
| Pronunciation | /ælˈbɛndəˌzoʊl/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | methyl (5-propylsulfanyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamate |
| Other names |
Eskazole Albenza Zentel Valbazen Alworm |
| Pronunciation | /ælˈbɛndəzoʊl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 54965-21-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **Albendazole**: ``` albendazole ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 63562 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:2089 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL685 |
| ChemSpider | 2156 |
| DrugBank | DB00518 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.032.573 |
| EC Number | 4.1.1.95 |
| Gmelin Reference | 119357 |
| KEGG | D00249 |
| MeSH | D000600 |
| PubChem CID | 2082 |
| RTECS number | BP8490000 |
| UNII | MIW516CMP9 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CAS Number | 54965-21-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | Beilstein 566163 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:2088 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL685 |
| ChemSpider | 2051 |
| DrugBank | DB00518 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.016.696 |
| EC Number | 4.1.1.39 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: 108171 |
| KEGG | D00245 |
| MeSH | D000489 |
| PubChem CID | 2082 |
| RTECS number | DF6392000 |
| UNII | J9390R6AVM |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H15N3O2S |
| Molar mass | 265.33 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.07 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.1E-9 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.37 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.8 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -73.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.655 |
| Dipole moment | 3.92 D |
| Chemical formula | C12H15N3O2S |
| Molar mass | 265.33 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.31 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble in water |
| log P | 2.87 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.6 x 10^-8 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.8 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -79.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.630 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 4.85 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 259.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -120.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6908 kJ/mol |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 365.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -121.7 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8175 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | P02CA03 |
| ATC code | P02CA03 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause harm to unborn children; suspected of causing genetic defects; harmful if swallowed; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | health hazard, exclamation mark, environment |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H361fd: Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. H400: Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. Read label before use. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Instability: 0, Special: |
| Autoignition temperature | 360°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Oral LD50 (rat): 1320 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Albendazole: "2,350 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | VAV9300000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Albendazole: "Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 400 mg as a single dose |
| Main hazards | May cause harm to unborn children, may cause genetic defects, harmful if swallowed, causes eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | Use in pregnancy contraindicated, Take with food, Do not consume alcohol, Keep out of reach of children |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Autoignition temperature | 290°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 1320 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Albendazole: "2400 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | VV3150000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Albendazole: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 400 mg as a single dose |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Mebendazole Thiabendazole Fenbendazole Oxfendazole Triclabendazole Flubendazole Cambendazole |
| Related compounds |
Fenbendazole Mebendazole Oxibendazole Thiabendazole Triclabendazole |