Albendazole, anthelmintic for nematode/roundworm infections (Intestinal Hookworm, Toxocariasis, Strongyloidiasis, Trichinellosis, Trichostrongyliasis, Trichuriasis,Trematode, Giardiasis, Microsporidiosis)

Albendazole, anthelmintic for nematode/roundworm infections (Intestinal Hookworm, Toxocariasis, Strongyloidiasis, Trichinellosis, Trichostrongyliasis, Trichuriasis,Trematode, Giardiasis, Microsporidiosis)

Intestinal Hookworm Infections. Albendazole is used for the treatment of intestinal hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, and albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate are considered the drugs of choice for intestinal hookworm infections.

Albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or endoscopic removal of worms is recommended for the treatment of eosinophilic enterocolitis caused by Ancylostoma caninum (dog hookworm).

Toxocariasis (Visceral Larva Migrans)
Albendazole is used for the treatment of toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans) caused by Toxocara canis or T. cati (dog and cat roundworms), and albendazole or mebendazole are considered the drugs of choice for these infections. In severe cases with cardiac, ocular, or CNS involvement, corticosteroids also may be indicated. Treatment may not be effective in ocular larva migrans; inflammation may be reduced by corticosteroid injections and surgery may be necessary for secondary damage.

Strongyloidiasis
Albendazole is used for the treatment of strongyloidiasiscaused by Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm). Some clinicians consider ivermectin the drug of choice and albendazole and thiabendazole alternatives for the treatment of strongyloidiasis.

Trichinellosis
Albendazole is used for the treatment of trichinellosis (trichinosis) caused by Trichinella spiralis. Although some clinicians state that albendazole and mebendazole are equally effective for the treatment of trichinellosis, other clinicians consider mebendazole the drug of choice and albendazole the alternative agent. Use of corticosteroids in addition to the anthelmintic usually is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe. Corticosteroids alleviate symptoms of the inflammatory reaction and can be lifesaving when cardiac or CNS systems are involved.

Trichostrongyliasis
Albendazole is used in the treatment of trichostrongyliasis. Pyrantel pamoate is considered the drug of choice for the treatment of Trichostrongylus infections and albendazole and mebendazole are alternatives.

Trichuriasis
Albendazole is used as an alternative for the treatment of trichuriasis caused by Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). Mebendazole is considered the drug of choice and albendazole and ivermectin are alternatives for the treatment of trichuriasis.

Other Nematode Infections
Albendazole has been used in the treatment of capillariasis caused by Capillaria philippinensis. Mebendazole is considered the drug of choice for the treatment of capillariasis and albendazole is an alternative.

For the treatment of gnathostomiasis caused by Gnathostoma spinigerum, use of albendazole or ivermectin (with or without surgical removal) is recommended.
For the treatment of gongylonemiasis caused by Gongylonema, surgical removal or use of albendazole is recommended.
Albendazole or pyrantel pamoate may be effective for the treatment of oesophagostomiasis caused by Oesophagostomum bifurcum.

Trematode (Fluke) Infections
For the treatment of infections caused by Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke), albendazole or praziquantel are recommended as the drugs of choice. Other anthelmintics (usually praziquantel) are recommended for all other fluke infections.

Giardiasis
Although metronidazole, tinidazole, or nitazoxanide generally are considered the drugs of choice for the treatment of giardiasis caused by Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis), albendazole therapy alone or used in conjunction with metronidazole may be effective for the treatment of giardiasis. Albendazole may be as effective as metronidazole for treating giardiasis in pediatric patients and has fewer adverse effects.

Microsporidiosis
Albendazole has been used in the treatment of microsporidiosis. Microsporidia can cause ocular infections (Encephalitozoon hellem, E. cuniculi, Vittaforma corneae), intestinal infections (Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis), and disseminated infections (E. hellem, E. cuniculi, E. intestinalis, Pleistophora, Trachipleistophora, Brachiola vesicularum). Intestinal infections are most common in immunocompromised patients, and are being reported with increasing frequency in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Some clinicians recommend use of albendazole in conjunction with fumagillin (not commercially available in the US) for the topical treatment of ocular microsporidiosis and also consider albendazole the drug of choice for intestinal infections caused by E. intestinalis and for disseminated microsporidiosis. Although some patients with intestinal microsporidiosis caused by E. intestinalis may respond to albendazole, the organism is not eradicated in all patients and recurrence of diarrhea is common after therapy is stopped. Patients with E. bieneusi infections generally do not respond to albendazole. Topical fumagillin therapy generally is not effective for ocular lesions caused by V. corneae, and keratoplasty may be necessary.