Giardiasis, as an alternative or adjunct to metronidazole, especially in children
Microsporidiosis, including ocular microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon hellem or E. cuniculi, when combined with topical fumagillin
Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, when caused by the ameba Balamuthia mandrillaris, in combination with miltefosine and fluconazole
Arthropods
Crusted scabies, when combined with topical crotamiton and salicylic acid
Head lice infestation, though ivermectin is much better
Intestinal myiasisThough albendazole is effective in treating many diseases, it is only FDA-approved for treating hydatid disease caused by dog tapeworm larvae and neurocysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm larvae. Pregnancy
Albendazole is a pregnancy class D drug in Australia and pregnancy class C in the United States. It is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, and should be avoided up to one month before conception. While studies in pregnant rats and rabbits have shown albendazole to be teratogenic, albendazole has been found to be safe in humans during the second and third trimesters. It can, however, possibly cause infantile eczema when given during pregnancy.In pregnant dogs, albendazole use has led to puppies with reduced weight and with cleft palates. Birds have lower rates of laying eggs and hatching when given albendazole.Albendazole sulfoxide is secreted into breast milk at around 1.5% of the maternal dose, though oral absorption is poor enough that it is unlikely to affect nursing infants. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds contraindicates its use. Side effects
The most common side effects by albendazole are experienced by over 10% of people and include headache and abnormal liver function.
A single dose of albendazole is sufficient to treat intestinal infestations by A. duodenale or Necator americanus
Intestinal capillariasis, as an alternative to mebendazole
Mansonelliasis when caused by Mansonella perstans. Albendazole works against the adult worms but not against the younger microfilariae. Oesophagostomumiasis, when caused by Oesophagostomum bifurcum
Strongyloidiasis, as an alternative to ivermectin or thiabendazole Albendazole can be given with diethylcarbamazine to lower microfilaremia levels. Toxocariasis, also called "visceral larva migrans", when caused by the dog roundworm Toxocara canis or cat roundworm T. catis. Corticosteroids can be added in severe cases, and surgery might be required to repair secondary damage. Trichinosis, when caused by Trichinella spiralis or T. pseudospiralis. Albendazole has a similar efficacy to thiabendazole, but fewer side effects. It works best when given early, acting on the adult worms in the intestine before they generate larva that can penetrate the muscle and cause a more widespread infection. Corticosteroids are sometimes added on to prevent inflammation caused by dying larva. Trichostrongyliasis, as an alternative to pyrantel pamoate. A single dose is sufficient for treatment. Trichuriasis (whipworm infection), sometimes considered as an alternative to mebendazole and sometimes considered to be the drug of choice. Only a single dose of albendazole is needed. It can also be given with ivermectin.