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)

• Intestinal worm infections: roundworm (ascariasis), hookworm, pinworm/threadworm (enterobius), whipworm
• Giardia (off-label)
• Tapeworm/Neurocysticercosis (high dose — Rx, specialist care only)
• Hydatid disease (Rx, specialist care only)

4. Who May Use It (Kis ko leni chahiye)

A healthcare professional should confirm that the indication, age and exact formulation match the patient’s needs. An ingredient match alone does not make another brand or formulation interchangeable.

5. When Not to Use (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Do not self-treat during pregnancy. A prescriber must assess pregnancy status, benefit and risk; prolonged regimens may require pregnancy testing and contraception.
• Liver function and blood counts require monitoring during prolonged treatment.
• Neurological symptoms or suspected tissue parasites require specialist assessment.

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Adult guidance

The regimen depends on the parasite. Do not treat all intestinal worms with the same single-dose or repeat-dose schedule. Hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis need specialist courses and monitoring.

Child guidance

Children 2 years and above: 400mg single dose (or as prescribed). Under 2 years: consult doctor.

Dose limits

Use the limit specified for your exact product and individual prescription. A strength printed on a pack is not automatically a recommended dose.

7. How to Use (Kaise leni hai)

Check the medicine name, strength and instructions before each course. Do not share a prescription or change its dose, duration or formulation without professional advice.

8. Timing (Kab leni chahiye)

Check the local leaflet or ask a pharmacist about food timing for this exact formulation; do not infer it from another medicine.

9. Missed Dose (Dose chhoot jaye)

Follow the exact leaflet or contact a pharmacist for missed-dose instructions. Do not double a dose or change a tapering or monitored treatment plan yourself.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Do not self-treat during pregnancy. A prescriber must assess pregnancy status, benefit and risk; prolonged regimens may require pregnancy testing and contraception.
• Liver function and blood counts require monitoring during prolonged treatment.
• Neurological symptoms or suspected tissue parasites require specialist assessment.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

Check allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, kidney and liver conditions, and all other medicines with the prescriber or pharmacist. Store according to the local pack and keep out of reach of children. Below 30°C, away from moisture and light

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Reported effects

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

Serious effects and warning symptoms

• Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity (prolonged use)
• Bone marrow suppression — leukopenia, thrombocytopenia (rare, prolonged high-dose)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• CNS effects during neurocysticercosis die-off (under specialist care)

These lists do not establish the frequency of an effect or prove that a new symptom is caused by this medicine. Persistent or worsening symptoms need assessment.

13. Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

Cimetidine (increases albendazole levels); dexamethasone (increases plasma levels — used in neurocysticercosis); phenytoin/carbamazepine (reduce albendazole levels)

14. When to Get Help (Kab doctor se milein)

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, severe bleeding or suspected overdose. For the medicine-specific warning symptoms above, contact a clinician promptly. Bring the pack and a list of medicines.

15. Alternatives (Dusri dawaein)

Ask a pharmacist to compare the exact ingredients, strength, route and release type. A generic name alone does not prove dose equivalence. Do not substitute a combination product for a single-ingredient treatment.

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

A current price matched to the local strength and pack size has not been verified. Confirm the printed price, pack and expiry with a licensed pharmacy.

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Albendazole Tablet kis kaam aati hai?

A: Albendazole Tablet contains Albendazole. Intestinal worm infections: roundworm (ascariasis), hookworm, pinworm/threadworm (enterobius), whipworm; Giardia (off-label). The diagnosis and exact product determine suitability.

Q: Dose kaise confirm karein?

A: The regimen depends on the parasite. Do not treat all intestinal worms with the same single-dose or repeat-dose schedule. Hydatid disease and neurocysticercosis need specialist courses and monitoring.

Q: Bachon ke liye dose kya hai?

A: Children 2 years and above: 400mg single dose (or as prescribed). Under 2 years: consult doctor.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: A current price matched to the local strength and pack size has not been verified. Confirm the printed price, pack and expiry with a licensed pharmacy.

Q: Nuksanat hon to kya karein?

A: Reported effects include Abdominal pain; Nausea; Vomiting. Seek medical help for Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity (prolonged use); Bone marrow suppression — leukopenia, thrombocytopenia (rare, prolonged high-dose). A symptom list does not predict how often an effect occurs.

18. Editorial Information (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-10-15

This correction adds ingredient-specific sources and separates verified facts from unverified local pack details. The recorded medical-review date is unchanged; this editorial correction is not a new clinician review. Foreign labels inform ingredient safety and do not establish Pakistani registration or every local pack’s instructions.

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

Educational information only. Confirm the diagnosis, local leaflet and individual prescription with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing treatment.