Recommended Albendazole Dosage for Intestinal Parasites
The recommended dosage of albendazole for treating most intestinal parasites is 400 mg as a single dose, which may need to be repeated in 2 weeks to ensure complete eradication. 1
Dosage by Parasite Type
Common Intestinal Helminths
- Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis): 400 mg as a single dose 2, 1
- Hookworms: 400 mg as a single dose 3
- Ascaris lumbricoides: 400 mg as a single dose (100% cure rate) 3, 4
Specific Parasites Requiring Different Regimens
- Strongyloidiasis: 400 mg/day for 3 days, repeated after 7 days (100% cure rate with repeated course) 5
- Giardia duodenalis: 400 mg once daily for 5 days (95% efficacy) 6
- Trichuris trichiura: 600 mg as a single dose (better efficacy than 400 mg) 3
- Trichinellosis: 400 mg once daily for 3 days (mild disease) 2
- Echinococcosis: 400 mg twice daily (duration determined by cyst type) 2
Special Populations
Children
- Children ≥2 years: 400 mg as a single dose 1, 4
- Children <2 years: Consult with a specialist before treatment 1
Pregnant Women
- Pyrantel pamoate 11 mg/kg (maximum 1 g) is preferred over albendazole due to its safety profile 1
Treatment Considerations
When to Repeat Treatment
- For most intestinal parasites, a second dose after 2 weeks is recommended to ensure complete eradication 1
- For Strongyloidiasis, repeat the 3-day course after 7 days 5
Combination Therapy
- For empirical treatment of suspected parasitic infection without specific diagnosis: Albendazole 400 mg single dose plus ivermectin 200 μg/kg single dose 1
Prevention of Reinfection
- Frequent handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet
- Daily changing of underwear and wearing tight underwear at night
- Environmental cleaning measures (washing bed linens in hot water, vacuuming floors) 1
Clinical Pearls
- Albendazole is highly effective against most common intestinal parasites with minimal side effects 3, 4
- Single-dose therapy (400 mg) is appropriate for mass chemotherapy in highly infected communities 4
- The medication should be taken with food to enhance absorption
- For patients starting immunosuppressive therapy, complete antiparasitic treatment at least 1 week before beginning immunosuppression 1
Common Pitfalls
- Underdosing Trichuris infections (requires 600 mg for optimal efficacy) 3
- Failing to repeat the dose after 2 weeks, which may lead to reinfection
- Using albendazole in pregnant women when pyrantel pamoate is the safer option 1
- Not considering combination therapy for suspected mixed infections or empirical treatment