Albendazole 400 mg Tablet: Uses, Dosage for Adults, Deworming & Complete Guide (2026)

Albendazole 400 mg is one of the most widely used deworming tablets in the world. Whether you are looking for information on albendazole tablet uses, the correct albendazole tablet dose for adults for deworming, or how it is used in India's national health programs — this comprehensive, medically reviewed guide covers everything you need to know.

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (deworming) drug used to kill and expel parasitic worms from the body. The 400 mg tablet is the most commonly prescribed formulation and is classified as an Essential Medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Known by brand names such as Zentel, Bandy, and Noworm in India, albendazole belongs to the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic drugs. It works against a wide range of parasites — both in the intestine and in body tissues like the liver, lungs, and brain.

• Drug Class: Benzimidazole anthelmintic (antiparasitic)
• Active Ingredient: Albendazole 400 mg per tablet
• Route of Administration: Oral tablet — take with food
• Onset of Action: Begins working within 1–3 days; worms expelled in 3–5 days
• Also spelled: Albendazol 400 mg (common in Spanish/Portuguese; same drug)

Albendazole Tablet Uses

Albendazole tablets are prescribed for a wide range of parasitic infections. Here are the primary albendazole tablet uses:

Intestinal Worm Infections (Deworming)

This is the most common use of albendazole. As a deworming tablet, it is effective against:

• Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) — causes abdominal pain, malnutrition, and stunted growth in children
• Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus) — causes anaemia, fatigue, and weakness
• Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) — causes diarrhoea and rectal prolapse in heavy infections
• Pinworms / Threadworms (Enterobius vermicularis) — causes intense anal itching, especially at night
• Strongyloidiasis — causes skin rash, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms

Hydatid Disease (Echinococcosis)

Caused by larval stages of the Echinococcus tapeworm, hydatid disease leads to cyst formation in organs such as the liver and lungs. Albendazole 400 mg is used in treatment cycles to shrink cysts and prevent recurrence after surgery.

Neurocysticercosis

Caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), neurocysticercosis affects the brain and can cause seizures, headaches, and neurological problems. Albendazole 400 mg is a first-line treatment, typically used alongside corticosteroids and anticonvulsants.

Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Albendazole is used in combination with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine (DEC) as part of WHO's global elimination program. A single 400 mg annual dose reduces the worm burden in the bloodstream.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans

A skin infection caused by animal hookworm larvae. Albendazole 400 mg for 3–7 days eliminates the migrating larvae and relieves the characteristic snake-like skin rash.

Other Uses of Albendazole Tablet

Albendazole is also used for giardiasis (in some countries), microsporidiosis (in immunocompromised patients), visceral larva migrans caused by Toxocara species, and gnathostomiasis.

How Does Albendazole Work?

Albendazole's mechanism of action is well-understood in clinical pharmacology:

1. Inhibits tubulin polymerization — Albendazole binds to β-tubulin in parasitic cells, preventing microtubule formation needed for the worm's cell structure and function.
2. Blocks glucose uptake — Without intact microtubules, the worm's cells cannot absorb glucose, its primary energy source.
3. Depletes glycogen stores — The parasite's energy reserves become exhausted rapidly.
4. Worm immobilization and death — The worm becomes paralyzed, dies, and is expelled from the body through normal bowel movements.

Importantly, albendazole acts on both adult worms and larvae, making it more effective than older antiparasitic drugs that only killed adult worms.

Albendazole 400 mg Tablet — Dosage for Adults & Children

The albendazole tablet dose for adults depends on the type of infection. Below is the complete dosage guide based on WHO and Indian clinical guidelines:

How to Take Albendazole Tablet

• Take with food — a fatty meal increases absorption significantly for systemic infections
• Swallow the tablet whole with water
• For children who cannot swallow tablets, the tablet can be chewed or crushed and mixed with food
• For multi-day courses, take at the same time each day
• Do not skip doses in multi-day treatment courses

5. Albendazole for Deworming in India

India runs one of the world's largest deworming programs — the National Deworming Day (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram / NDD), typically held in February and August each year.

• Children aged 1–19 years receive a single albendazole 400 mg deworming tablet
• Administered at Anganwadi centres, government schools, and primary health centres
• Over 24 crore children are targeted annually across India
• Albendazole 400 mg is available free at government health facilities
• Adults in high-risk or endemic zones may also be included in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs

India has a high burden of soil-transmitted helminths (STH), particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Rajasthan. Studies estimate that 20–30% of India's population is affected by worm infections. Deworming with albendazole has been shown to improve school attendance, haemoglobin levels, and nutritional outcomes in children.

For adults in India who wish to deworm preventively, the standard recommendation is a single albendazole 400 mg tablet taken once every 6–12 months, ideally under medical guidance.

Who Should Take Albendazole 400 mg Deworming Tablet?

Albendazole deworming tablets are recommended for:

• Adults and children diagnosed with worm infections — intestinal or systemic parasitic infections
• Children in endemic areas showing signs such as pot belly, anaemia, poor appetite, itching, or weight loss
• Travelers returning from high-risk countries with high STH prevalence
• Agricultural workers who work barefoot in soil or handle animal waste
• People in crowded living conditions or community settings with poor sanitation
• Participants in National Deworming Day or WHO Mass Drug Administration programs

Who should NOT take albendazole without medical clearance:

• Pregnant women (especially in the first trimester)
• Individuals with severe liver disease
• People with a known allergy to albendazole or other benzimidazole drugs
• Children below 1 year of age

Albendazole 400 mg — Side Effects

Albendazole is generally well-tolerated, especially for single-dose deworming. Side effects are more common with long-term use.

Common Side Effects (Mild)

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Dizziness
• Temporary hair thinning or hair loss (with prolonged use)
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes
• Fever (rare)

Serious / Rare Side Effects (Seek Medical Help Immediately)

• Jaundice — yellowing of skin or eyes (sign of liver damage)
• Bone marrow suppression (agranulocytosis — dangerously low white blood cells)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin reaction)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Precautions & Safety Warnings

Pregnancy — AVOID (Consult Doctor)

Albendazole is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Animal studies have demonstrated teratogenic effects (harm to the fetus). Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after completing the course. Consult your doctor immediately if you are or may be pregnant.

Breastfeeding — Consult Doctor

Albendazole passes into breast milk in small amounts. A single deworming dose is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but always consult a doctor before taking this medicine while nursing.

Alcohol — Consult Doctor

The interaction between albendazole and alcohol is not fully established. Both are processed by the liver, so it is advisable to avoid alcohol — especially during multi-day treatment courses.

Driving — Use Caution

Albendazole may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Liver Disease — Use with Caution

Albendazole is metabolized in the liver. Patients with liver disease require close monitoring and regular liver enzyme tests. Seek medical attention if you notice jaundice, itching, or clay-colored stools.

Kidney Disease — Generally Safe

Albendazole is generally safe for patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustments are usually not required, but always confirm with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Albendazole may interact with:

• Cimetidine — increases albendazole blood levels
• Dexamethasone — increases plasma levels of albendazole
• Praziquantel — increases absorption of albendazole
• Phenytoin / Carbamazepine / Phenobarbitone — may reduce albendazole effectiveness
• Theophylline — albendazole may affect its metabolism

Albendazole Tablet Uses in Hindi (एल्बेंडाजोल टैबलेट के उपयोग)

Conclusion

Albendazole 400 mg is an effective, widely trusted deworming tablet used across the world, including India's large-scale National Deworming Day program. Whether you need it for simple intestinal deworming or more complex conditions like neurocysticercosis or hydatid disease, the albendazole tablet dose for adults is well-established and safe when used correctly.

Always take albendazole with food, follow the prescribed dose, and consult a doctor for any condition beyond routine deworming — especially if you are pregnant, have liver disease, or are treating children below 2 years of age.