Adult Dose of Albendazole for Deworming
For routine deworming in healthy adults, the standard dose is albendazole 400 mg as a single oral dose, taken with food. 1, 2
Standard Dosing for Common Intestinal Parasites
The 400 mg single dose is effective for the most common intestinal worms encountered in deworming programs:
- Ascariasis (roundworm): 400 mg single dose achieves 95-100% cure rates 1, 2, 3, 4
- Hookworm infections: 400 mg single dose for initial treatment, with cure rates of 78-92% depending on species 1, 2, 5, 4
- Enterobiasis (pinworm): 400 mg single dose, repeated in 2 weeks, with 98-100% cure rates 1, 2, 6, 4
Important Administration Guidelines
- Always take albendazole with food to enhance absorption and efficacy 7
- Tablets may be crushed or chewed if needed 7
- For patients weighing less than 60 kg, the dose remains 400 mg as a single dose for routine deworming 7
When Extended Treatment Is Needed
Some parasitic infections require longer courses beyond a single dose:
- Hookworm (complete treatment): 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days may be needed for optimal cure rates 1, 5
- Strongyloidiasis: 400 mg twice daily for 3-7 days, though ivermectin 200 μg/kg is preferred 1, 2, 8
- Whipworm (Trichuris): Single 400 mg dose has lower efficacy (48% cure rate); consider 400 mg daily for 3 days or alternative agents 3, 4
Empirical Treatment for Travelers
For asymptomatic individuals returning from endemic areas with potential exposure, combination therapy with albendazole 400 mg plus ivermectin 200 μg/kg as single doses is recommended to cover the broadest spectrum of soil-transmitted helminths 1, 2, 5
Critical Safety Considerations
Before prescribing ivermectin with albendazole, always exclude Loa loa infection in anyone who has traveled to endemic regions of Central/West Africa, as ivermectin can cause severe reactions in patients with loiasis 1, 2
For treatment courses extending beyond 14 days (not typical for routine deworming):
- Monitor complete blood counts for bone marrow suppression 7
- Monitor liver enzymes for hepatotoxicity 7
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: Albendazole is contraindicated due to teratogenic effects; pregnancy testing is recommended before treatment in women of reproductive potential 7
- Children over 24 months: Same 400 mg single dose as adults 1, 2
- Children 12-24 months: Consult with an expert before treatment 1, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The single 400 mg dose has limited efficacy against whipworm (Trichuris), with cure rates of only 48% 4. If whipworm is specifically suspected or confirmed, consider mebendazole as first-line or extended albendazole courses 1.
For hookworm, cure rates vary significantly by species: 92% for Ancylostoma duodenale versus 75% for Necator americanus with single-dose therapy 4. Consider the 3-day regimen in areas where N. americanus predominates 5.