Albendazole: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Albendazole is a deworming medicine available as tablets, chewable tablets and suspensions in Pakistan, under brands such as Zentel and many others. It is also used in school deworming programmes.
How Albendazole works
Albendazole stops worms from absorbing glucose, their main source of energy, so they weaken and die and are passed out of the body.
What is Albendazole used for?
- Roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infections
- Threadworm (pinworm)
- Hydatid cysts and neurocysticercosis, under specialist care with longer courses
Side effects of Albendazole
Not everyone gets side effects. The ones reported more often are:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
With longer courses, see a doctor for fever, sore throat, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Get urgent help for a severe rash or seizures.
Precautions and warnings
- Avoid it in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and use contraception during longer courses.
- For threadworm, the whole family is often treated at the same time.
- Good hygiene, short nails, hand washing and washing bedding help prevent reinfection.
- Longer courses need blood and liver tests.
- Give it to young children only as advised by a doctor.
Frequently asked questions about Albendazole
Should the whole family take albendazole for worms?
For threadworm, doctors often recommend treating everyone in the household together, because the eggs spread easily between family members.
Albendazole brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 30+ products containing Albendazole from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
