Albendazole 400 mg tablet is an antiparasitic medicine used to treat certain infections caused by worms and other parasites. It belongs to a group of medicines called anthelmintics, which work by interfering with the parasite’s ability to survive.

Depending on the type of infection, albendazole may be prescribed as a single dose or for several days or weeks. The correct dose and treatment duration depend on the parasite, the patient’s age and weight, and the condition being treated.

Important: Do not take albendazole 400 mg on your own simply because you suspect you have worms. Different worm infections require different treatment schedules.

Quick Facts About Albendazole 400 mg

The World Health Organization has prequalified 400 mg albendazole tablets for use in programs addressing neglected tropical diseases.

What Is Albendazole 400 mg Tablet?

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medicine. It is used against several types of parasitic worms.

The medicine interferes with processes that parasites need to maintain their structure and obtain energy. This helps stop the parasite from surviving and reproducing.

Albendazole 400 mg is widely used in different countries for certain intestinal worm infections and other parasitic diseases. However, the approved indications and dosing instructions can vary by country.

For example, U.S. prescribing information specifically lists albendazole for neurocysticercosis and cystic hydatid disease, while CDC guidance also describes albendazole treatment regimens for several intestinal worm infections.

Albendazole 400 mg Tablet Uses

Albendazole may be used to treat several parasitic infections.

Common uses include:

• Ascariasis (roundworm infection)
• Hookworm infection
• Whipworm infection
• Certain tapeworm infections
• Neurocysticercosis
• Hydatid disease
• Some other parasitic worm infections, depending on medical diagnosis

The treatment depends heavily on the specific parasite.

For example, CDC guidance lists 400 mg once as a treatment option for ascariasis and hookworm infection, while whipworm may require 400 mg once daily for 3 days. These are examples of condition-specific regimens, not a general instruction to self-medicate.

Albendazole is also used for certain forms of taeniasis. CDC lists 400 mg daily for 3 days as an alternative treatment option for taeniasis.

Albendazole 400 mg Tablet Dosage

There is no single albendazole 400 mg dosage that applies to every worm infection.

Your doctor may prescribe:

• One 400 mg dose
• 400 mg once daily for a specified number of days
• 400 mg twice daily
• A weight-based dose
• Longer treatment cycles for certain serious parasitic infections

Examples of dosing

For some soil-transmitted worm infections, CDC guidance includes:

These regimens can vary according to clinical circumstances and local guidelines.

For serious parasitic infections

For neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, treatment is very different from the simple single-dose regimens used for some intestinal worms.

For patients weighing 60 kg or more, U.S. prescribing information lists 400 mg twice daily for these indications, with treatment duration depending on the disease. Patients weighing less than 60 kg receive a weight-based regimen.

Therefore, do not assume that one 400 mg tablet is always the correct treatment.

How to Take Albendazole 400 mg Tablet

Take albendazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the approved instructions for your particular condition.

For some indications, albendazole is taken with food. The U.S. prescribing information for neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease specifies administration with food.

Depending on the formulation, the tablet may be swallowed, chewed or crushed according to the product instructions.

Tips when taking albendazole

• Follow the prescribed dose.
• Do not take extra tablets if you miss a dose without medical advice.
• Complete the prescribed course when your doctor recommends a multi-day treatment.
• Do not share the medicine with another person.
• Tell your doctor about other medicines you are taking.

Albendazole 400 mg Side Effects

Like all medicines, albendazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Temporary changes in liver enzymes

For longer or higher-dose treatment, more serious adverse effects can occur.

Albendazole has been associated with liver enzyme elevations and bone marrow suppression, particularly during prolonged treatment. The prescribing information recommends monitoring liver enzymes and blood counts during longer treatment courses.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Help

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop symptoms such as:

• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe weakness
• Persistent fever or infection symptoms
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Severe abdominal symptoms
• A serious allergic reaction
• Seizures or new neurological symptoms

Serious blood-cell abnormalities and liver problems are uncommon but important risks associated with albendazole therapy, particularly with prolonged treatment.

Albendazole 400 mg and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important precaution when using albendazole.

U.S. prescribing information warns that albendazole may cause fetal harm and recommends pregnancy testing in women of reproductive potential before treatment in relevant circumstances.

However, public-health recommendations can differ depending on the infection and circumstances. For example, CDC notes that WHO supports certain albendazole use during the second and third trimesters in specific mass drug administration programs when the benefits are considered to outweigh the risks.

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, speak with your doctor before taking albendazole.

Can Albendazole Be Taken During Breastfeeding?

Albendazole is minimally excreted into human milk. CDC notes that WHO has concluded that a single oral dose can be given to lactating women.

However, longer treatment courses are different from a single-dose deworming regimen. Breastfeeding mothers should discuss the specific treatment with a healthcare professional.

Albendazole for Children

Albendazole can be used in children for certain parasitic infections, but the appropriate age, dose and formulation depend on the condition and local recommendations.

CDC notes that WHO mass drug administration programs may use albendazole in children as young as 1 year who can safely swallow the tablet, while safety information for young children varies by situation.

Never give a child a 400 mg tablet simply because an adult has been prescribed one.

The child’s age, weight, diagnosis and formulation should be considered.

Who Should Avoid Albendazole?

Albendazole should not be taken by people who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazole medicines.

People with liver disease may require additional caution and monitoring, particularly when albendazole is used for an extended period.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease
• A history of liver problems
• Low blood-cell counts
• A known medicine allergy
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Other ongoing medical conditions

Albendazole and Liver Health

The liver is particularly important when taking albendazole for longer treatment courses.

Albendazole can increase liver enzymes. U.S. prescribing information recommends checking liver enzymes before treatment cycles and at least every two weeks during relevant prolonged therapy.

People with existing liver problems may need closer monitoring.

This is one reason why long-term albendazole treatment should not be self-managed.

Albendazole Drug Interactions

Before taking albendazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements you use.

Some medicines can affect how albendazole is metabolized or may increase the risk of adverse effects.

For prolonged treatment, your doctor may review your medicines and medical history before prescribing albendazole.

Albendazole 400 mg Tablet: Important Precautions

Keep these points in mind:

1. Do not self-medicate repeatedly.
2. The correct dose depends on the type of parasite.
3. Pregnancy requires special consideration.
4. People with liver disease may need monitoring.
5. Long courses can require blood and liver tests.
6. Children should receive an age- and weight-appropriate regimen.
7. Severe or unusual symptoms should be medically evaluated.
8. A single 400 mg dose is not appropriate for every parasitic infection.

Is Albendazole 400 mg a Deworming Tablet?

Yes. Albendazole is commonly used as a deworming medicine against several intestinal worm infections.

However, “deworming” does not mean that every worm infection should be treated with exactly one 400 mg tablet.

For example, CDC recommends different albendazole schedules for ascariasis, hookworm and whipworm.

The correct treatment depends on the parasite involved.

How Long Does Albendazole Take to Work?

The time required for treatment depends on the type of parasite and the treatment regimen.

Some intestinal worm infections may be treated with a single dose, while others require treatment for several days. More complicated infections, such as neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease, may require substantially longer treatment and medical monitoring.

If symptoms continue after treatment, do not automatically take another dose. The diagnosis may need to be confirmed.

Can Albendazole Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?

The answer depends on the infection and product instructions.

For certain indications, such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, U.S. prescribing information says albendazole should be taken with food.

For some intestinal worm infections, CDC treatment guidance specifies administration on an empty stomach.

Therefore, follow the instructions for your specific infection rather than using a general rule.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Albendazole?

Taking more albendazole than prescribed can increase the risk of adverse effects.

If you accidentally take more than the recommended amount, contact a doctor, pharmacist or local poison-information service for advice. Seek urgent medical attention if serious symptoms develop.

Do not take additional tablets to make up for a missed dose unless your healthcare professional tells you to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions About Albendazole 400 mg

1. What is albendazole 400 mg used for?

Albendazole 400 mg is an antiparasitic medicine used to treat certain worm infections, including some intestinal worm infections and specific diseases such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease.

2. Can I take albendazole 400 mg for worms?

Albendazole is used for several worm infections, but the appropriate dose and duration depend on the type of worm. A healthcare professional can help determine the correct regimen.

3. Is albendazole 400 mg a single-dose medicine?

Sometimes. Certain intestinal worm infections can be treated with a single 400 mg dose, but other infections require several days or longer courses.

4. Can I take albendazole during pregnancy?

Do not take albendazole during pregnancy without medical advice. Official prescribing information warns of potential fetal harm, while some public-health programs have specific recommendations for use in pregnancy.

5. Can children take albendazole 400 mg?

Children may receive albendazole for certain infections, but the dose depends on age, weight, infection and local recommendations. Do not automatically give a child the adult 400 mg dose.

6. Does albendazole kill all types of worms?

No. Albendazole is effective against several parasites, but it is not the correct treatment for every type of worm or parasite. Some infections require different medicines.

7. Does albendazole need to be taken with food?

It depends on the condition being treated. Some treatment regimens require administration with food, while certain intestinal-worm regimens specify an empty stomach.

8. What are the common side effects of albendazole?

Possible side effects include stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Longer treatment can also cause liver enzyme abnormalities or blood-count changes.

9. Can albendazole damage the liver?

Albendazole can cause increases in liver enzymes, particularly during prolonged therapy. Patients receiving longer courses may need liver-function monitoring.

10. Can I take albendazole without a prescription?

Rules differ by country and product. Even when a product is available without a prescription, using the correct regimen is important because different parasitic infections require different treatment.

Final Takeaway

Albendazole 400 mg tablet is an antiparasitic medicine used to treat several types of worm infections. Although 400 mg is a commonly used strength, the correct dose is not the same for every infection.

Some infections may require one 400 mg dose, while others require treatment for several days or weeks. Longer treatment can require monitoring of blood counts and liver enzymes. Pregnancy, liver disease, childhood use and drug interactions also require particular attention.

If you have symptoms suggesting a worm infection, getting the correct diagnosis is more useful than simply taking a deworming tablet. A doctor or pharmacist can determine which medicine and dosage are appropriate.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medicine doses should be confirmed with a qualified healthcare professional and the product information applicable in your country.