Albendazole Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Albendazole Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Albendazole Tablet? (Albendazole Tablet kya hai)

Albendazole Tablet, brand name Zentel, is an Anthelmintic (deworming) medicine from the benzimidazole class. It binds to worm tubulin protein and blocks microtubule polymerization — the worm becomes paralysed and dies.

Zentel is available OTC in Pakistan — obtainable from a pharmacist. However, for serious infections (neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease), it must be obtained on a prescription from a specialist.

PREGNANCY WARNING: Albendazole is absolutely forbidden in pregnancy — it is teratogenic (Category D). Do a pregnancy test first.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Roundworm (Ascariasis) — intestinal roundworm
• Hookworm — ankylostomiasis
• Pinworm / Threadworm (Enterobiasis) — small worm that causes itching at night
• Whipworm (Trichuriasis) — trichuris worm
• Giardia — off-label use (consult your doctor)
• Neurocysticercosis (tapeworm larvae in brain) — high dose, Rx only, specialist care
• Hydatid Disease (Echinococcus) — Rx only, specialist care

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• People with a confirmed or strongly suspected intestinal worm infection
• Routine deworming: OTC use on pharmacist's advice in Pakistan
• Children 2 years and above

NOTE: Always obtain a doctor's diagnosis for any serious or systemic worm infection.

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Absolutely not in pregnancy — teratogenic (Category D)
• Allergy to albendazole or any benzimidazole
• Children under 2 years without a doctor's advice
• Liver disease without consulting a doctor

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• Most intestinal worms: 400mg single dose (once only)
• Repeat: a second dose after 2 weeks if needed
• Neurocysticercosis / Hydatid: As prescribed by specialist (higher dose, longer course)

• 2 years and above: 400mg single dose
• Under 2 years: always consult a doctor

• For OTC deworming: if a dose is missed, take it when remembered. Do not take a double dose.

Note: This guide is for educational purposes. Always confirm the exact dose with your doctor or pharmacist.

7. How to Take (Kaise lena hai)

• Can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the whole tablet with water
• For a single dose: take the full tablet at once
• Treating all household members at the same time is helpful for pinworm infection

8. Best Time (Kab lena chahiye)

• Can be taken at any time — flexible timing
• Taking with a fatty meal increases albendazole absorption — helpful for systemic infections (neurocysticercosis, hydatid)

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

• Simple intestinal worm infections: taking on an empty stomach or with food are both acceptable
• Systemic infections (neurocysticercosis, hydatid): taking with a fatty meal is more effective

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

Albendazole is a teratogenic medicine (Category D). It can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

• Do a pregnancy test before treatment
• Use contraception during treatment and for 1 month after
• If accidentally taken during pregnancy, see a doctor immediately

• Monitor liver enzymes during prolonged or high-dose use
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease — always consult a doctor

• In rare cases of prolonged high-dose treatment, monitor blood counts

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Storage: below 30°C, away from moisture and direct light
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent reinfection
• Treating all household members together is helpful for pinworm infection

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea (matli)
• Vomiting (ulti)
• Headache (sir dard)

These are generally mild and short-lived.

• Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity (prolonged use) — see a doctor immediately
• Bone marrow suppression: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia (rare, prolonged high-dose)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — see a doctor immediately
• CNS die-off reaction — under specialist care

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Cimetidine: increases albendazole levels
• Dexamethasone: increases plasma levels
• Phenytoin / Carbamazepine (epilepsy medicines): may reduce albendazole effectiveness

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) — sign of liver toxicity
• Fever, bruising, unusual bleeding — sign of bone marrow suppression
• Severe allergic reaction — rash, swelling, breathing difficulty
• Worms not eliminated after 2 doses
• Pregnancy confirmed (accidental use)

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

Ask your doctor about alternatives.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

Prices vary by pharmacy, city, and pack size. For the most current price:

• Ask your local registered pharmacy
• Online: Dawaai.pk, Sehat.com.pk, Dvago.pk
• Search term: "zentel albendazole price pakistan dawaai"

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17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: What is Albendazole used for?

A: Albendazole (Zentel) is used for intestinal worms — roundworm, hookworm, pinworm, whipworm. It is an OTC medicine in Pakistan. Seek a doctor's advice for serious infections.

Q: What are the side effects of Albendazole?

A: Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and headache — generally mild. Prolonged use may cause liver and blood issues.

Q: How should Albendazole be taken?

A: For most intestinal worms: 400mg single dose. Repeat after 2 weeks if needed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Q: Albendazole price in Pakistan?

A: Price varies. Check at Dawaai.pk or your local pharmacy.

Q: Is Albendazole safe in pregnancy?

A: NO. Absolutely forbidden in pregnancy — teratogenic (Category D). Always do a pregnancy test first.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.