The major final metabolites that are excreted by humans are:
methyl [5-(propylsulfonyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)] carbamate,
methyl [6-hydroxy 5-(n-propylsulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl)] carbamate,
methyl [5-(n-propylsulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl)] carbamate,
5-(n-propylsulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl amine, and
5-(n-propysulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazole-2-yl amine.There are also some minor hydroxylated sulfated or glucuronidated derivatives. No unchanged albendazole is excreted, as it is metabolized too quickly.In humans, the metabolites are excreted mostly in bile, with only a small amount being excreted in the urine (less than 1%) and feces. In ruminants, 60–70% of the metabolites are excreted in the urine.Like all benzimidazoles, albendazole has no residual effect, and thus protects poorly against reinfestations. History
Albendazole, patented in 1975, was invented by Robert J. Gyurik and Vassilios J. Theodorides and assigned to SmithKline Corporation. It was introduced in 1977 as an antihelminthic for sheep in Australia, and was registered for human use in 1982. Society and culture
Brand names
Brand names include: Albenza, Alworm, Andazol, Eskazole, Noworm, Zentel, Alben-G, ABZ, Cidazole, Wormnil etc. Cost
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the brand-name prescription cost was around US$800, and US$540 for the generic. The pharmaceutical company Amedra increased the price after purchasing the rights to the drug, instead of lowering it as generics are predicted to do, drawing criticism from patients rights advocates.In 2013, GlaxoSmithKline donated 763 million albendazole tablets for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in developing countries, bringing the total to over 4 billion tablets donated since 1998. Veterinary use
Albendazole is mainly used in cattle and sheep, but has found some use in cats and dogs as well; it is also used in ratite birds for flagellate parasites and tapeworms.
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.