Albendazole Dosing for a 10-Year-Old Child
For a 10-year-old child with most common parasitic infections, the recommended dose is albendazole 400 mg as a single oral dose, which should be taken with food. 1, 2
Standard Dosing by Infection Type
Single-Dose Regimens (400 mg)
- Ascariasis (roundworm): 400 mg single dose achieves 100% cure rate 1, 3
- Hookworm infection: 400 mg single dose, repeated in 2 weeks for optimal efficacy 1, 4
- Pinworm (Enterobiasis): 400 mg single dose, repeated in 2 weeks to eliminate newly hatched worms 1, 5
Multi-Day Regimens
- Hookworm (complete treatment): 400 mg daily for 3 consecutive days provides superior cure rates (92% vs 69% for single dose) 1, 6
- Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura): Single 400 mg dose has limited efficacy (27-48% cure rate); consider mebendazole as preferred agent or higher albendazole doses 1, 3
Special Parasitic Infections
- Microsporidiosis (in HIV-infected children): 7.5 mg/kg (maximum 400 mg) twice daily until immune reconstitution 7, 1
- For a typical 10-year-old weighing 30-35 kg, this would be approximately 225-260 mg per dose, but the maximum of 400 mg per dose applies 7
Important Administration Guidelines
Always administer albendazole with food to enhance absorption. 2
Key Clinical Considerations
- The 400 mg dose is standardized across pediatric age groups for most helminthic infections, regardless of whether the child weighs more or less than 60 kg 1, 8
- For infections requiring weight-based dosing (microsporidiosis, certain systemic infections), use 7.5 mg/kg up to maximum 400 mg per dose 7
- Monitor for hepatotoxicity and leukopenia only if treatment extends beyond 14 days 4, 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not underdose hookworm: A single 400 mg dose may be insufficient; the repeat dose at 2 weeks or 3-day regimen significantly improves cure rates 1, 4, 6
- Recognize Trichuris treatment limitations: Single-dose albendazole has poor efficacy (27-48% cure rate) against whipworm; consider alternative agents or extended regimens 1, 3, 9
- Ensure repeat dosing for pinworm: The second dose at 2 weeks is essential to eliminate worms that hatch after initial treatment 1, 5
- Treatment failure usually indicates reinfection, not drug resistance; consider household contact screening and preventive measures 4, 5