• Nematodoses (roundworms) – enterobiasis (caused byEnterobius vermicularis), ascariasis (caused byAscaris lumbricoides), ancylostomiasis (caused byAncylostoma duodenaleandNecator americanus), strongyloidiasis (caused byStrongyloides stercoralis), trichocephalosis (caused byTrichuris trichiura);

• Cestodoses (tapeworm infections) – neurocysticercosis (caused byTaenia solium), and liver, lung, and peritoneal echinococcosis (caused byEchinococcus granulosus) (used in cystic forms of helminthiasis);

• As an adjunct in surgical treatment of echinococcal cysts during preoperative and postoperative periods;

• Mixed infections caused by several helminths.

Dosage and Administration:

The drug is taken orally with or after food. No special preparation or diet is required. The dosage is determined individually depending on the type of infestation and the patient’s body weight.

• For treatment of nematodoses in adults and children over 2 years old: 2 tablets (400 mg) once; for children under 2 years old: 1 tablet (200 mg) once.

• To prevent reinfection, repeat the treatment course after 3 weeks with the same dose.

• For neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis:

  • Patients weighing 60 kg or more: 2 tablets (400 mg) albendazole twice daily;

  • Patients weighing less than 60 kg: 15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses.

• Maximum daily dose is 800 mg (4 tablets).

• Duration of treatment: 8–30 days for neurocysticercosis; three 28-day courses for echinococcosis with 14-day intervals between courses.

• In inoperable echinococcal cysts, up to 5 treatment courses may be given.

Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, mild to moderate increase in liver transaminases;

• Hematologic: leukopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia;

• Nervous system: headache, dizziness, meningeal symptoms;

• Dermatologic: rash, itching, reversible alopecia;

• Others (rare): sore throat, fever, acute renal failure, increased blood pressure, weakness, fatigue.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to albendazole or any component of the drug, or to other benzimidazole derivatives;

• Retinal diseases;

• Pregnancy and lactation.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

Use during pregnancy is contraindicated. Women of reproductive age should undergo a pregnancy test before starting treatment to exclude pregnancy. It is preferable to start treatment during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. During treatment and for 1 month after its completion, contraception is recommended. Use during breastfeeding is not advised.

Special Precautions:

Alponal should be used with caution in patients with hematopoietic, liver, or kidney disorders. Peripheral blood counts and liver function tests should be monitored before and during treatment. Therapy should be temporarily discontinued if leukopenia occurs and may be resumed if leukopenia is mild and non-progressive.

In neurocysticercosis, albendazole is administered together with glucocorticosteroids and anticonvulsants to prevent hypertensive crises during the first week of anti-cyst therapy.

Simultaneous treatment of all family members is recommended during albendazole therapy. Strict personal hygiene rules must be observed.

Effect on Driving and Using Machines:

The drug does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery.

Storage Conditions:

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30ºC in a place inaccessible to children.