What is the recommended dose of albendazole (anti-parasitic medication) for adults?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of albendazole for adults is 400 mg as a single dose or 15 mg/kg/d in 2 daily doses up to 1200 mg/d for 10 days, depending on the specific parasitic infection being treated.

Key Considerations

• For hookworm infections, a single dose of 400 mg is recommended 1.
• For neurocysticercosis, the dose is 15 mg/kg/d in 2 daily doses up to 1200 mg/d for 10 days, with or without praziquantel, depending on the number of viable cysts 1.
• The dose may vary depending on the specific infection, weight, and other factors, such as the presence of increased intracranial pressure or the need for combination therapy.

Important Details

• Albendazole should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
• Corticosteroids may be used concomitantly with albendazole to reduce inflammation and prevent seizures in patients with neurocysticercosis 1.
• The quality of evidence supporting these recommendations is generally strong, with moderate to high quality studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of albendazole in various parasitic infections 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dosage Dosing of albendazole will vary depending upon the indication. Albendazole tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. Albendazole tablets should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12. 3)] Table 1 AlbendazoleDosage Indication Patient Weight Dose Duration Hydatid Disease 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole free interval, for a total of 3 cycles Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) Neurocysticercosis 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 8 to 30 days Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg)

The recommended dose of albendazole for adults is:

• For Hydatid Disease: 400 mg twice daily, with meals, for patients weighing 60 kg or greater, and 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) for patients weighing less than 60 kg.
• For Neurocysticercosis: 400 mg twice daily, with meals, for patients weighing 60 kg or greater, and 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) for patients weighing less than 60 kg 2.

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Albendazole for Adults

The recommended dose of albendazole for adults can be found in several studies:

• A single dose of 400 mg is recommended for the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides infection, as shown in studies 3, 4, 5, 6
• This dose has been shown to be effective in achieving high parasitological cure rates and large reductions in eggs excreted 3, 4
• The efficacy of albendazole against other parasites, such as hookworm and Trichuris, has also been demonstrated at doses of 400 mg or 600 mg 4, 5, 6

Key Findings

• The cure rate for Ascaris lumbricoides infection with a single dose of 400 mg albendazole is high, ranging from 93.2% to 100% 3, 5, 6
• The egg reduction rate at day 21 was 100% at all three doses (400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg) for Ascaris lumbricoides infection 5
• Mild side effects were noted in some individuals, but albendazole appears to be safe and well-tolerated 3, 4, 5, 6

Comparison of Doses

• A single dose of 400 mg albendazole is as effective as multiple doses of albendazole for the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides infection 3
• The efficacy of albendazole against Trichuris infection is higher at a dose of 600 mg compared to 400 mg 5, 6