1. DESCRIPTION
Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic. It is active against most nematodes and some cestodes. It is used in the treatment of intestinal nematode infections and in higher doses in the treatment of hydatid disease. Albendazole exhibits vermicidal, ovicidal, and larvicidal activity. It acts by inhibiting tubulin polymerization, which results in the loss of cytoplasmic microtubules.

2. INDICATION
Albentas is a broad spectrum anthelmintic for the treatment of:
• Ancylostoma duodenale – Hookworm
• Necator americanus – Hookworm
• Ascaris lumbricoides – Roundworm
• Enterobius vermicularis – Pinworm
• Strongyloides stercolaris – Threadworm
• Trichuris trichiura – Whipworm
• Taenia spp. – Tapeworm
• Treatment of giardiasis in the children over 2 years old
• Treatment of hydatid diseases

3. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Age 12 to 24 months: 200 mg as a single dose (1/2 of tablet).
Adults & children (over 2 years): 400 mg (1 tablet) as a single dose in cases of Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. In cases of strongyloidiasis or taeniasis, 400 mg (1 tablet) as a single dose should be given for three consecutive days.
Giardiasis: 400 mg (1 tablet) once daily for five days.
In hydatid disease (Echinococcosis): In the treatment of echinococcosis, a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 28 days is given by mouth with meals for patients weighing over 60 kg. A dose of 15 mg/kg body weight daily in two divided doses (to a maximum total daily dose of 800 mg) is used for patients weighing less than 60 kg. For cystic echinococcosis the 28 day’s course may be repeated after 14 days without treatment to a total of three treatment cycles. For alveolar echinococcosis, cycles of 28 days of treatment followed by 14 days without treatment may need to continue for months or years. When three courses of therapy have been given in the pre or post-surgical setting, optimal killing of cyst contents is achieved.