Albendazole

Albendazole is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medicine used against infections caused by many parasitic worms and some other parasites. It disrupts parasite microtubules and glucose uptake.

Benzimidazole: Benzimidazoles are chemical compounds built around a fused benzene and imidazole ring. Albendazole belongs to this chemical family, whose members include several related antiparasitic drugs.
Ascariasis: Ascariasis is an intestinal infection caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Albendazole is commonly used to eliminate the adult worms causing this infection.
Anthelmintic: An anthelmintic is a medicine that kills parasitic worms or prevents their growth. Albendazole is a broad-spectrum member of this class of medicines.
Liver function test: Liver function tests are blood tests that measure enzymes and other markers of liver health. Prolonged albendazole courses can raise liver enzymes, so monitoring may be needed.
Beta-tubulin: Beta-tubulin is a protein subunit that combines with alpha-tubulin to form microtubules. Albendazole binds parasite beta-tubulin and interferes with microtubule assembly.
Hookworm infection: Hookworm infection is a parasitic intestinal disease caused by Ancylostoma or Necator worms. Albendazole is one option for treating intestinal hookworm infections.
First-pass effect: The first-pass effect is the metabolism of an orally absorbed drug before it reaches systemic circulation. Extensive first-pass metabolism converts albendazole into its active sulfoxide metabolite.
Bone marrow suppression: Bone marrow suppression is reduced production of blood cells by the bone marrow. Rarely, extended albendazole treatment causes low blood-cell counts.
Microtubule: Microtubules are dynamic protein filaments involved in cell structure, transport, and division. Disrupting parasite microtubules impairs nutrient uptake and other vital cellular functions.
Neurocysticercosis: Neurocysticercosis is infection of the central nervous system by larval Taenia solium tapeworms. Albendazole can kill tissue larvae, usually as part of specialist care with anti-inflammatory treatment.

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