Description
Albenchrist (Albendazole) 400 mg
Albenchrist 400 mg is a brand name for albendazole, an oral benzimidazole anthelmintic medicine used against certain parasitic worm infections. The 400 mg strength identifies the product presentation; it should not be taken as a recommended dose.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is albendazole. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of anthelmintic medicines, which are used to treat infections caused by helminths (parasitic worms). Albendazole tablets are an oral medicine. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
Established Medical Uses
According to the U.S. prescribing information, albendazole tablets are indicated for:
- Parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of Taenia solium (the pork tapeworm).
- Cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by larval forms of Echinococcus granulosus.
Other parasitic uses have been studied in humans, but they are not included here unless specifically established in the official product information. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
How It Works
Albendazole works by binding to parasite β-tubulin and preventing microtubule formation. This disrupts the parasite’s ability to absorb nutrients, especially glucose, which reduces energy production and eventually leads to parasite death. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
Important Safety Information
Albendazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzimidazole compounds or any tablet component. It carries an embryo-fetal toxicity warning, so pregnancy risk is an important consideration. The prescribing information also warns about bone marrow suppression, hepatic effects, neurologic complications in neurocysticercosis, and the potential for retinal damage in retinal neurocysticercosis. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
Clinically significant interactions noted in the label include dexamethasone, praziquantel, cimetidine, and theophylline. Albendazole exposure may change with some of these medicines, and theophylline concentrations may need monitoring. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fever, and reversible alopecia. Laboratory abnormalities may include elevated liver enzymes. Less common but serious reactions include leukopenia, pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis, and rare reports of acute liver failure. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/downloadpdffile.cfm?setId=8de337eb-92e1-15b5-e053-2a95a90ac4f1))
Scientific Evidence
Human studies and reviews support albendazole as an established anthelmintic, especially for some worm infections and tissue parasites. However, the scientific literature also shows that effectiveness can vary by organism and regimen. For example, published human studies have reported activity in taeniasis and giardiasis, while some reviews note reduced efficacy against certain infections such as Trichuris trichiura. These findings support albendazole as an important antiparasitic medicine, but not as a universal treatment for all parasitic infections. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1780999/?utm_source=openai))
Medical Sources
- DailyMed: Albendazole tablets, U.S. prescribing information
- de Kaminsky RG. Albendazole treatment in human taeniasis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1991.
- Solaymani-Mohammadi S, Genkinger JM, Loffredo CA, Singer SM. A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of albendazole compared with metronidazole as treatments for infections with Giardia duodenalis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2010.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
