Albendazole 400mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Severe skin rash with blisters or peeling
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is albend 400mg tablet used for?
This medicine is an albendazole 400 mg tablet used to treat intestinal worm infections. It works by killing the worms, which are then passed out in the stool. It is usually taken as a single dose, but the dose and duration depend on the type of infection.
- Generic Name: Albendazole (400mg)
- Manufacturer: Drakt Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 albend 400mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा अल्बेंडाजोल 400 मिलीग्राम की गोली है, जिसका उपयोग पेट के कीड़ों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह गोल कृमि, हुकवर्म, पिनवर्म, व्हिपवर्म और थ्रेडवर्म जैसे कीड़ों को मारती है। यह कीड़ों को ग्लूकोज सोखने से रोकती है, जिससे वे मर जाते हैं। यह दवा आमतौर पर एक ही खुराक में ली जाती है, लेकिन कुछ संक्रमणों में लंबे समय तक चलती है। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना नहीं लेना चाहिए। गर्भवती महिलाओं को यह दवा नहीं लेनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा से आमतौर पर पेट में हल्की तकलीफ, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना और हल्का बुखार हो सकता है। ये लक्षण आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और अपने आप ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी यह दवा लिवर की समस्या, खून की कमी या गंभीर एलर्जी कर सकती है। अगर आपको आंखों या त्वचा का पीला पड़ना, गहरे रंग का पेशाब, असामान्य थकान, आसानी से चोट लगना या गंभीर दाने दिखें, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। गोली को पानी के साथ पूरा निगल लें। इसे खाने के साथ या बिना खाने के लिया जा सकता है, लेकिन पेट की तकलीफ से बचने के लिए खाने के साथ लेना बेहतर है। बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के खुराक न बढ़ाएं। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। कीड़ों से बचाव के लिए शौचालय के बाद और खाना बनाने से पहले हाथ धोएं। नाखून छोटे और साफ रखें। दवा को ठंडी, सूखी जगह पर रखें।
💊 albend 400mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Intestinal roundworm infection (ascariasis)","description":"This medicine is used to treat infections caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a common roundworm.
- A single 400 mg dose is often sufficient.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hookworm infection (ancylostomiasis and necatoriasis)","description":"It is effective against hookworms that attach to the intestinal wall and cause anemia.
- Treatment may be repeated after two to three weeks in some cases.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Pinworm infection (enterobiasis)","description":"This medicine is used to treat pinworm infections.
- A single dose is usually given, and a repeat dose after two weeks may be advised to prevent reinfection.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Whipworm infection (trichuriasis)","description":"It is used to treat whipworm infections, often as part of a broader deworming program.
- A single dose or a short course may be prescribed.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Threadworm infection (strongyloidiasis)","description":"This medicine is used to treat threadworm infections, though the dose and duration may be longer than for other intestinal worms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hydatid disease (echinococcosis)","description":"It is used to treat hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus tapeworms.
- Treatment usually involves a longer course and may be combined with surgery.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Neurocysticercosis","description":"This medicine is used to treat cysticercosis in the brain caused by Taenia solium larvae.
- It is often given with steroids and anti-seizure medicines.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Cutaneous larva migrans","description":"It may be used to treat creeping eruption caused by hookworm larvae that penetrate the skin.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Giardiasis","description":"This medicine may be used as an alternative treatment for giardiasis, a parasitic infection of the intestine.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Trichinosis","description":"Sometimes used off-label to treat trichinosis, a parasitic infection from undercooked meat, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Microsporidiosis","description":"Occasionally used off-label in immunocompromised patients, but not a first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Intestinal worm infections
Also treats: Hydatid disease, Neurocysticercosis, Cutaneous larva migrans, Giardiasis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Albendazole (400mg) |
| Brand Name | albend 400mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Drakt Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Antiprotozoal agents |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not refrigerate unless specified. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends albendazole for deworming programs in areas where soil-transmitted helminths are common. It is often given as a single 400 mg dose. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research supports the use of albendazole for treating intestinal worm infections and for mass deworming programs in India. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding to a protein called beta-tubulin in the parasite. This prevents the parasite from forming microtubules, which are essential for its structure and function. As a result, the parasite cannot absorb glucose properly, leading to a loss of energy and eventually death. The medicine is poorly absorbed from the gut, which is helpful for treating intestinal worms because it stays in the intestine where the worms live. For tissue-dwelling parasites, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the affected organs.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take albend 400mg tablet
Strength: 400 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose for most intestinal worm infections is a single 400 mg tablet taken by mouth. For some infections, such as hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis, the dose may be 400 mg twice daily for a longer period. The exact dose and duration depend on the type of infection, your weight, and your liver function. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | For children over 2 years of age, the dose is usually the same as adults for most intestinal worms. For children between 1 and 2 years, the dose may be reduced. Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for all indications. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients usually receive the same dose as younger adults. However, because liver and kidney function may decline with age, your doctor may adjust the dose or monitor you more closely. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is usually needed for mild to moderate kidney problems. For severe kidney disease, use with caution and consult your doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with liver disease, this medicine should be used with caution. Your doctor may reduce the dose or monitor liver function tests regularly. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 800 mg (two 400 mg tablets) for certain tissue infections. For intestinal worms, a single 400 mg dose is usually sufficient. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of albend 400mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ritonavir | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Major | |
| Dexamethasone | Major | |
| Praziquantel | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Grapefruit juice | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Ritonavir
- Cimetidine
- Dexamethasone
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Praziquantel
- Theophylline
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, especially if you have a liver infection or are taking a long course. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems and may worsen side effects like dizziness and stomach upset.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Allergy to albendazole or other benzimidazole medicines","Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless clearly needed","Children under 1 year of age, unless prescribed by a doctor","Severe liver disease","Use in patients with known eye damage from albendazole"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not self-medicate.","Complete the full course even if you feel better.","Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food.","Avoid close contact with others while you have an active worm infection.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Do not share this medicine with others.","Keep out of reach of children.","Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but you should consult your doctor before taking it while nursing.
💊 Overdose Management
If you take too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems. Treatment is supportive and may include stomach lavage if taken recently.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. Complete the full course even if you feel better after the first dose. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food to prevent reinfection. Keep your fingernails short and clean. Avoid close contact with others while you have an active worm infection. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially dizziness and liver problems. Your doctor may monitor you more closely and adjust the dose if needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before taking this medicine. It is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Use effective contraception while taking this medicine and for a short period after.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery, especially if you have liver problems.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There are no specific precautions, but it is important for your dentist to know your complete medication list.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. If you feel dizzy, rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery. Most people can continue their daily activities as usual. If you have a physically demanding job, take precautions to avoid reinfection by practicing good hygiene.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a severe allergic reaction. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor if you are on a prescribed course.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may rarely cause liver problems or bone marrow suppression. If you are on a long course, your doctor may monitor your liver function and blood counts regularly. It is important to follow up with your doctor to ensure the infection is cured and to check for any side effects.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another antiparasitic medicine that can be used for some intestinal worms.
Evidence: Well-establishedUsed for tapeworms and flukes, not for roundworms.
Evidence: Well-establishedUsed for some parasitic infections, including strongyloidiasis.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for a vaccine, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, continue taking your doses at the same intervals as prescribed. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines. If you are traveling to areas with poor sanitation, take precautions to avoid worm infections, such as drinking bottled water and eating well-cooked food.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: For intestinal worms, this medicine usually starts working within a few hours, but it may take a few days for the worms to be cleared from your body. For tissue infections, it may take weeks to see improvement.
A: Yes, you can take it without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. For tissue infections, taking it with a fatty meal can increase its absorption.
A: This medicine is generally safe for children over 2 years of age at the same dose as adults for most intestinal worms. For children between 1 and 2 years, the dose may be reduced. Consult a pediatrician.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, especially if you have a liver infection or are taking a long course. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems and may worsen side effects.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for albend 400mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
cantel 400mg tabletZydus Healthcare Limited ₹2.06 76.2% CHEAPER
-
wozole 400mg tabletWockhardt Ltd ₹2.16 75% CHEAPER
-
albact 400mg tabletGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹2.25 74% CHEAPER
-
vormout 400mg tabletCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹2.34 72.9% CHEAPER
-
worid 400mg tabletAlembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹2.46 71.6% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Albendazole can be taken by anyone without a prescription.
Fact: Albendazole is a prescription medicine. It should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. - Myth: Albendazole is safe during pregnancy.
Fact: Albendazole is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless clearly needed. - Myth: One dose of albendazole cures all worm infections.
Fact: Some worm infections require longer treatment or repeated doses.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Albendazole 400 mg tablet (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Zentel 400 mg tablet
- Bandy 400 mg tablet
- Albenza 400 mg tablet