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Albendazole Pill
Albendazole inhibits microtubule polymerization in parasitic worms by binding to β-tubulin, disrupting their cellular structure and causing paralysis and death.
Albendazole inhibits microtubule polymerization in parasitic worms by binding to β-tubulin, disrupting their cellular structure and causing paralysis and death. Used for Helminthic infections including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, Echinococcosis (hydatid disease), Neurocysticercosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Albendazole Pill |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Alben, Bendex |
| Sponsor | Universidad Nacional de Salta |
| Drug class | Benzimidazole anthelmintic |
| Target | β-tubulin |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Parasitology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic that selectively binds to β-tubulin in parasitic nematodes and cestodes, preventing microtubule assembly. This disrupts glucose uptake and energy metabolism in the parasite, leading to immobilization and eventual death. The drug has selective toxicity for parasites over mammalian cells due to differences in tubulin binding affinity.
Approved indications
- Helminthic infections including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale
- Echinococcosis (hydatid disease)
- Neurocysticercosis
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Elevated liver enzymes
Key clinical trials
- Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa (BOHEMIA) (PHASE3)
- Urine Albendazole Levels for Coverage Assessment (NA)
- Nutritional and Anti-infective Interventions for Malnutrition in Pregnancy (Beleuman Welbodi) (NA)
- Validating Egg-based Diagnostics and Molecular Markers for the Spread of Anthelmintic Resistance (NA)
- Efficacy of Ivermectin and Albendazole Against Onchocerciasis in the Volta Region, Ghana (PHASE3)
- IVM Alone vs ALB + IVM Against Onchocerciasis (PHASE3)
- Antiparasitic Treatment for Returning Travelers With Chronic Diarrhea (NA)
- Effectiveness of High-dose Zinc Therapy and Albendazole in the Treatment of Environmental Enteropathy (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |