Albendazole Dosage for Pediatric Pinworm Infections
For pediatric patients with pinworm infections (enterobiasis), the recommended albendazole dosage is 400 mg as a single dose, which should be repeated in 2 weeks to ensure complete eradication. 1
Dosing Guidelines
Standard Dosing
- Children ≥2 years: 400 mg as a single dose 2, 1
- The dose should be repeated after 2 weeks to prevent reinfection 1
- For children under 2 years: Consultation with a specialist is recommended before treatment 1
Administration
- Albendazole is better absorbed when taken with a fatty meal 3
- Available as tablets (400 mg) for older children and as a 2% suspension (400 mg in 20 ml) for younger children 4
Efficacy
- Single-dose albendazole has shown a 100% cure rate for enterobiasis (pinworm infections) 5
- The American Academy of Pediatrics reports approximately 98% cure rates with the recommended regimen 1
Treatment Alternatives
- Mebendazole 100 mg as a single dose (95% cure rate) 1
- Pyrantel pamoate 11 mg/kg (maximum 1 g) as a single dose, repeated in 2 weeks - preferred for pregnant women due to safety profile 1
Prevention of Reinfection
To prevent reinfection, implement the following measures alongside medication:
- Frequent handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet 1
- Daily changing of underwear and wearing tight underwear at night 1
- Keeping fingernails short and clean 1
- Environmental cleaning:
- Washing bed linens and night clothes in hot water
- Vacuuming or damp mopping bedroom floors
- Keeping toilet seats clean 1
Important Considerations
- The cellophane tape test has approximately 50% sensitivity for a single test but increases to 90% when performed on three consecutive mornings 1
- Treatment without improved hygiene measures is often ineffective due to high risk of reinfection 1
- Risk factors for pinworm infection include playing on the floor (OR 2.5), nail biting (OR 2.1), and failure to wash hands before meals (OR 1.7) 1
Mechanism of Action
Albendazole binds to β-tubulin in parasites, inhibiting microtubule polymerization. This decreases glucose absorption in the intestinal cells of the parasites, depleting glycogen storage and eventually causing parasite death due to insufficient energy production 3.