What is the proper protocol for deworming with Antiox Adult (albendazole)?

Deworming Protocol with Albendazole (Antiox Adult)

For routine deworming in adults, administer albendazole 400 mg as a single oral dose for common intestinal worms (Ascaris, hookworm, pinworm), with a repeat dose at 2 weeks for pinworm and at 8 weeks for potential schistosomiasis. 1, 2

Standard Single-Dose Regimen

Most common intestinal parasites require only one 400 mg dose:

• Ascariasis (roundworm): Albendazole 400 mg single dose achieves 100% cure rate 1, 2, 3
• Pinworm (Enterobius): Albendazole 400 mg single dose, repeat in 2 weeks 1, 2
• Initial hookworm treatment: Albendazole 400 mg single dose 1, 2

Multi-Day Regimens for Specific Infections

For diagnosed hookworm infection requiring complete treatment:

• Albendazole 400 mg once daily for 3 consecutive days 1, 4
• This extended regimen provides superior cure rates (81.8-100%) compared to single-dose therapy 4, 5

For other parasites requiring extended treatment:

• Strongyloidiasis: Albendazole 400 mg twice daily for 3-7 days (though ivermectin is preferred) 1, 2
• Trichinellosis (mild): Albendazole 400 mg once daily for 3 days 1
• Visceral larva migrans: Albendazole 400 mg twice daily for 5 days 1, 2

Empirical Treatment Protocol

For travelers/migrants with possible undetected parasites:

• Albendazole 400 mg single dose PLUS ivermectin 200 μg/kg single dose 1, 2
• Critical safety step: Exclude Loa loa infection BEFORE giving ivermectin if the person traveled to endemic regions (Central/West Africa) 1, 2
• Repeat treatment at 8 weeks for potential schistosomiasis, as eggs and immature forms resist initial treatment 1

Administration Guidelines

Take with meals to enhance absorption 6

For weight-based dosing in smaller adults (<60 kg):

• Use 15 mg/kg/day divided twice daily (maximum 800 mg/day total) for serious infections like hydatid disease or neurocysticercosis 6

Monitoring Requirements

For treatment courses exceeding 14 days:

• Monitor complete blood count at treatment start and every 2 weeks 6
• Monitor liver enzymes (transaminases) at treatment start and every 2 weeks 6
• Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 2x upper limit of normal or if significant blood count decreases occur 6

Critical Safety Warnings

Absolute contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to benzimidazole compounds 6
• Pregnancy (causes fetal harm and skeletal malformations) 6

Before treatment, exclude:

• Pregnancy in women of reproductive potential (obtain pregnancy test) 6
• Loa loa infection if considering ivermectin co-administration 1, 2
• Neurocysticercosis if treating for other conditions, as albendazole can unmask it 6
• Retinal involvement in known neurocysticercosis cases 6

Women of reproductive potential:

• Use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 days after final dose 6

Common Clinical Pitfalls

Do not use single-dose therapy for diagnosed hookworm - the 3-day regimen is specifically recommended for adequate cure rates 4

Assess for anemia in hookworm cases - heavy infections cause significant anemia, particularly in young children 4

Consider co-infections - hookworm commonly coexists with other soil-transmitted helminths 4

Repeat dosing for pinworm is essential - single dose alone has inadequate cure rates due to reinfection from environment 1, 2

For trichuriasis (whipworm), albendazole has poor efficacy - cure rates only 27-60% with standard dosing; mebendazole or combination therapy preferred 7