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Albendazole

Albendazole is an antiparasitic medication used to treat serious tapeworm infections, including neurocysticercosis (brain and nervous system infection) and cystic hydatid disease (organ cysts caused by tapeworms).

Brand names AlbenzaValbazenAlbendamax
Drug class Anthelmintic
Rx Form 1
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 13 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 7, 2026
Albendazole at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Albendazole is a prescription antiparasitic drug, on the U.S. market since about 1996 and available as a generic, that is a standard first choice for neurocysticercosis (pork tapeworm larvae in the brain) and hydatid disease (dog tapeworm cysts in the liver, lungs or abdomen), and it starves the parasite of sugar. Most people tolerate it reasonably well, and stomach pain, nausea, headache and dizziness are the usual complaints. Its serious risks are bone marrow suppression (rarely fatal) and liver injury, so expect blood counts and liver tests and report bruising, bleeding, infection or yellowing skin promptly. During treatment for the brain infection, seizures, severe headache or vision changes need urgent care.

Clinical pearls

  • Take it with a meal containing some fat, which markedly improves absorption; the tablets may be crushed or chewed with water.
  • Women who could become pregnant need a negative pregnancy test first and effective contraception during treatment, since it can harm a developing baby.
  • Before neurocysticercosis treatment, expect an eye exam for retinal cysts; the steroid dexamethasone, often given alongside, also raises albendazole levels.
  • If you take theophylline for a lung condition, its blood levels should be checked during and after albendazole treatment.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asTablet
Earliest FDA record1996
Companies listing it with the FDA10
FDA label last updatedSep 30, 2019
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Albendazole, written from its FDA label.

What Albendazole is used for

▾

Albendazole is an antiparasitic (anthelmintic) medication approved to treat two serious tapeworm infections:

  • Neurocysticercosis: Albenza (albendazole) tablets and generic albendazole tablets are both indicated to treat active parenchymal neurocysticercosis — an infection of brain tissue caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
  • Cystic hydatid disease: Albenza (albendazole) tablets and generic albendazole tablets are both indicated to treat cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen), caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus.

How Albendazole works

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Albendazole is a benzimidazole-class drug that works by attaching to a protein called beta-tubulin inside the parasite. This protein is essential for building the parasite's internal scaffolding. When albendazole blocks it, the parasite's intestinal cells lose their ability to absorb glucose (sugar). Without glucose, the parasite can't produce energy (ATP) and eventually dies. Albendazole itself converts almost immediately in the liver to its active form, albendazole sulfoxide, which is what does the work throughout the body — reaching the liver, cysts, cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spine), and other tissues.

Parasites can develop resistance to albendazole through changes in the beta-tubulin protein that reduce drug binding, though this is not commonly a clinical concern in the approved treatment settings.

Albendazole dosage

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Albendazole tablets are taken by mouth, twice daily, with meals. Taking them with a fatty meal is important — it can increase absorption of the active drug by up to 5 times compared to taking it on an empty stomach. The tablets can be crushed or chewed and swallowed with water.

  • Hydatid disease: Treatment follows a 28-day-on, 14-day-off cycle, repeated for a total of 3 cycles, as directed by your prescriber.
  • Neurocysticercosis: Treatment is typically a continuous course lasting 8 to 30 days, as directed by your prescriber.

Your exact dose and schedule depend on your weight and your condition. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and your prescription label closely.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Albendazole prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Hydatid disease, patients weighing 60 kg or greater
    • 400 mg twice daily, with meals
    • 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of 3 cycles
    • Take with food; tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water
  • Hydatid disease, patients weighing less than 60 kg
    • 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals
    • 28-day cycle followed by a 14-day albendazole-free interval, for a total of 3 cycles
    • Maximum: maximum total daily dose 800 mg
    • Take with food; weight-based dosing
  • Neurocysticercosis, patients weighing 60 kg or greater
    • 400 mg twice daily, with meals for 8 to 30 days
    • Take with food; appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required; consider corticosteroids during first week
  • Neurocysticercosis, patients weighing less than 60 kg
    • 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals for 8 to 30 days
    • Maximum: maximum total daily dose 800 mg
    • Take with food; weight-based dosing; appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Patients weighing 60 kg or greater, 400 mg twice daily; less than 60 kg, 15 mg/kg/day in divided doses twice daily (maximum total daily dose 800 mg). Albendazole Tablets should be taken with food. ( 2 ) Hydatid disease: 28‑day cycle followed by 14‑day albendazole‑free interval for a total of 3 cycles. ( 2 ) Neurocysticercosis: 8 to 30 days. ( 2 ) See additional important information in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 2 ) 2.1 Dosage Dosing of Albendazole Tablets will vary depending upon the indication. Albendazole Tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water. Albendazole Tablets should be taken with food [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Table 1: Albendazole Tablets Dosage Indication Patient Weight Dose Duration Hydatid Disease 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 28‑day cycle followed by a 14‑day albendazole‑free interval, for a total of 3 cycles Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) Neurocysticercosis 60 kg or greater 400 mg twice daily, with meals 8 to 30 days Less than 60 kg 15 mg/kg/day given in divided doses twice daily with meals (maximum total daily dose 800 mg) 2.2 Concomitant Medication to Avoid Adverse Reactions Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis should receive appropriate steroid and anticonvulsant therapy as required. Oral or intravenous corticosteroids should be considered to prevent cerebral hypertensive episodes during the first week of treatment [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. 2.3 Monitoring for Safety Before and During Treatment Monitor blood counts at the beginning of each 28‑day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks while on therapy with Albendazole Tablets in all patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Monitor liver enzymes (transaminases) at the beginning of each 28‑day cycle of therapy, and at least every 2 weeks during treatment with Albendazole Tablets in all patients [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ]. Obtain a pregnancy test in females of reproductive potential prior to therapy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].

Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Albendazole side effects

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The most common side effects of albendazole vary a little depending on which condition is being treated:

Common side effects

  • Elevated liver enzymes (detected on blood tests)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Reversible hair loss (alopecia)
  • Fever
  • In hydatid disease: elevated liver enzymes (seen in about 16% of patients), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, reversible hair loss, headache, dizziness, vertigo, and fever
  • In neurocysticercosis: headache, nausea, vomiting, raised pressure inside the skull, and meningeal signs (stiff neck or other signs of brain irritation)
  • Less common but reported: diarrhea, drowsiness, blurred vision, and weakness

When to get medical help

  • Call your doctor right away if you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, or signs of infection — albendazole can suppress bone marrow and reduce blood cell counts, which has caused deaths in rare cases
  • Seek medical help immediately if you experience seizures, sudden neurological changes, or signs of increased pressure in the skull (severe headache, vision changes, confusion) — especially during treatment for neurocysticercosis
  • Tell your doctor promptly if you develop yellowing of skin or eyes, severe nausea, or upper abdominal pain — these may signal serious liver problems
  • If you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment, contact your doctor immediately — albendazole can cause serious harm to a developing baby
  • Get emergency care for a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, or widespread rash — rare but serious skin reactions have been reported

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of low blood counts (unusual bruising, bleeding, or frequent infections), severe liver symptoms (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain), seizures, serious skin reactions (blistering, peeling rash), or signs of kidney problems. These are rare but serious.

Albendazole warnings and precautions

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  • Bone marrow suppression (the most serious risk): Albendazole can reduce the production of blood cells, leading to dangerously low white blood cell or platelet counts. Deaths have been reported. Blood counts must be monitored at the start of each 28-day cycle and every two weeks during treatment. Patients with liver disease or hepatic echinococcosis face higher risk and need even more frequent monitoring.
  • Risk to unborn babies: Albendazole has caused birth defects and fetal death in animal studies. A pregnancy test is required before starting treatment. Women who can become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 days after the last dose.
  • Liver injury: Elevated liver enzymes are common (about 16% of patients). Rare cases of hepatitis and acute liver failure have also been reported. Liver enzymes must be checked before each cycle and at least every 2 weeks during treatment.
  • Neurological reactions in neurocysticercosis: Killing the parasite in the brain can trigger inflammation, causing seizures, increased brain pressure, or other neurological symptoms. Steroids and anti-seizure medications are often given alongside albendazole to reduce this risk.
  • Retinal damage risk: If cysticercosis has spread to the retina (back of the eye), treating it can cause retinal damage from inflammation. Your doctor should examine your eyes before starting treatment for neurocysticercosis.
  • Hidden neurocysticercosis: In patients being treated for other conditions, undiagnosed neurocysticercosis may be uncovered during albendazole therapy. Those at risk should be evaluated first.

Albendazole interactions

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Albendazole can interact with several medications, affecting how much drug is in your bloodstream:

  • Dexamethasone (a steroid): Raises albendazole sulfoxide blood levels by about 56%. Doctors treating neurocysticercosis often prescribe both together intentionally, but the interaction should be factored into monitoring.
  • Praziquantel (another antiparasitic): Increases albendazole sulfoxide blood levels by about 50% when taken together in the fed state.
  • Cimetidine (used for heartburn or ulcers): Roughly doubles albendazole levels in bile and cyst fluid, which could affect how the drug acts in hydatid cysts.
  • Theophylline (used for asthma or lung conditions): Albendazole may increase how quickly the body breaks down theophylline; blood levels of theophylline should be monitored during and after albendazole treatment.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Albendazole prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Dexamethasone: Steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when 8 mg dexamethasone was co-administered with each dose of albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) in 8 neurocysticercosis patients.
  • Praziquantel: In the fed state, praziquantel (40 mg/kg) increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects.
  • Cimetidine: Albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid were increased about 2-fold in hydatid cyst patients treated with cimetidine; plasma concentrations were unchanged 4 hours after dosing.
  • Theophylline: Albendazole induces cytochrome P450 1A in human hepatoma cells; theophylline pharmacokinetics were unchanged after a single albendazole dose (400 mg). Monitor plasma concentrations of theophylline during and after treatment.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Dexamethasone: Steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when dexamethasone was coadministered with each dose of albendazole. ( 7.1 ) Praziquantel: In the fed state increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects. ( 7.2 ) Cimetidine: Increased albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid by about 2-fold in hydatid cyst patients. ( 7.3 ) Theophylline: Albendazole induces cytochrome P450 1A in human hepatoma cells; therefore, it is recommended that plasma concentrations of theophylline be monitored during and after treatment. ( 5.5 , 7.4 ) 7.1 Dexamethasone Steady-state trough concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide were about 56% higher when 8 mg dexamethasone was co-administered with each dose of albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) in 8 neurocysticercosis patients. 7.2 Praziquantel In the fed state, praziquantel (40 mg/kg) increased mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve of albendazole sulfoxide by about 50% in healthy subjects (n = 10) compared with a separate group of subjects (n = 6) given albendazole alone. Mean T max and mean plasma elimination half-life of albendazole sulfoxide were unchanged. The pharmacokinetics of praziquantel were unchanged following co-administration with albendazole (400 mg). 7.3 Cimetidine Albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in bile and cystic fluid were increased (about 2-fold) in hydatid cyst patients treated with cimetidine (10 mg/kg/day) (n = 7) compared with albendazole (20 mg/kg/day) alone (n = 12). Albendazole sulfoxide plasma concentrations were unchanged 4 hours after dosing. 7.4 Theophylline Following a single dose of albendazole (400 mg), the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (aminophylline 5.8 mg/kg infused over 20 minutes) were unchanged.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿18 supplements and herbs with documented Albendazole interactions, ranked by severity Check Albendazole against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Albendazole

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  • Do not take albendazole if you have had a serious allergic reaction to albendazole, mebendazole, or any other benzimidazole-class drug.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant — albendazole can harm a developing baby. A pregnancy test is required before starting. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 days after the final dose.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding — albendazole and its active form pass into breast milk at low levels; discuss the risks and benefits with your provider.
  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or bile duct problems — these conditions can increase your exposure to the drug and raise your risk of serious side effects.
  • Patients being treated for neurocysticercosis should have an eye exam before starting treatment to check for retinal cysts.
  • If you are at risk for neurocysticercosis (due to geographic or exposure factors), your doctor should evaluate you for this condition before starting albendazole for any other reason.
  • Tell your doctor all medications you take, especially dexamethasone, praziquantel, cimetidine, or theophylline.
  • Older adults (65+): Limited data are available; your doctor will monitor you closely.
  • Children: For neurocysticercosis, albendazole appears similarly effective in children as in adults. Hydatid disease is uncommon in young children.

Albendazole overdose

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The label does not describe specific symptoms of albendazole overdose. If an overdose is suspected, symptomatic treatment and general supportive care are recommended. Contact Poison Control or seek emergency medical help right away.

What Albendazole does in the body

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Albendazole works by blocking the parasite's ability to take up glucose — its primary energy source. By binding to beta-tubulin and preventing proper microtubule formation in the parasite's gut cells, the drug depletes the parasite's glycogen (stored sugar) and halts energy production (ATP). Without energy, the parasite dies. This action targets both adult and larval forms of the parasites in the approved treatment indications.

How your body processes Albendazole

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Albendazole is poorly absorbed from the gut on its own, but absorption rises dramatically — up to 5 times higher — when taken with a fatty meal. It is rapidly converted in the liver to its active form, albendazole sulfoxide, before it even enters the bloodstream; the parent drug is rarely detectable in blood or urine. The active metabolite is about 70% bound to proteins in the blood and distributes widely throughout the body, including into cyst fluid and cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the brain and spinal cord). It is processed further in the liver and cleared primarily through bile; less than 1% leaves the body in urine. The active form has a half-life (the time for blood levels to fall by half) of about 8 to 12 hours. With prolonged treatment, albendazole may speed up its own breakdown, leading to somewhat lower drug levels over time.

How to store Albendazole

▾

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

18

Supplements & herbs that interact with Albendazole

18 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Albendazole in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 1
  • Moderate · 8
  • Minor · 9
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major COFFEE CHARCOAL Moderate EUROPEAN MANDRAKE Moderate GLUCOMANNAN Moderate GUAR GUM Moderate GUM ARABIC Moderate SASSAFRAS Moderate SLIPPERY ELM Moderate +10 more
Every supplement checked against Albendazole — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 1 major · 8 moderate · 9 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Albendazole against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Albendazole: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Albendazole — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What exactly is albendazole used for?

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Albendazole is used to treat two serious parasitic infections caused by tapeworm larvae. One is neurocysticercosis, where tapeworm larvae infect the brain and nervous system after someone ingests eggs of the pork tapeworm. The other is cystic hydatid disease, where the dog tapeworm's larvae form cysts in organs like the liver or lungs. These are not everyday stomach worms — they are more serious infections that need prescription treatment and close medical follow-up.

Do I have to take it with food? Does it really matter?

▾
Yes, it really does matter. Taking albendazole with a fatty meal — like something containing healthy fats — can increase the amount of active drug that gets into your system by up to five times compared to taking it on an empty stomach. That's a huge difference. So please don't skip food when you take your dose. If you have questions about what counts as a 'fatty enough' meal, ask your pharmacist.

What side effects should I expect, and which ones mean I should call my doctor?

▾
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and sometimes temporary hair thinning — these are usually mild and go away after treatment ends. Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests are also common, which is why your doctor checks them regularly. Call your doctor right away if you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, or frequent infections (signs of blood count problems), yellowing of your skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain (possible liver issues), or any new neurological symptoms like seizures or sudden severe headache. These are uncommon but serious and need prompt attention.

I'm being treated for the brain infection (neurocysticercosis). Why am I also taking steroids?

▾
That's a great question. When albendazole kills the parasite inside your brain, your immune system reacts to it — and that inflammatory reaction can cause swelling, seizures, or increased pressure in the skull. Steroids help calm that inflammation and reduce the risk of those complications. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-seizure medication as a precaution. It's actually part of the standard treatment plan, not a sign that something is going wrong.

Is this medication safe during pregnancy?

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Albendazole should not be taken during pregnancy if it can be avoided. Animal studies have shown it can cause birth defects and harm the developing baby. Your doctor will require a pregnancy test before starting this medication. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you'll need to use effective contraception during your entire treatment course and for 3 days after your last dose. If you accidentally become pregnant during treatment, contact your doctor right away. The risks need to be discussed openly with your care team.

Will my doctor be monitoring me while I'm on this medication? Why?

▾
Yes — regular monitoring is an important part of treatment. Your doctor will check your blood counts and liver enzymes before you start, then regularly throughout treatment — typically every two weeks. That's because albendazole can sometimes affect the bone marrow (which makes blood cells) and the liver, and catching any changes early is important. These blood tests aren't just routine paperwork; they're a real safety measure. Make sure you keep those follow-up appointments.

Is Albendazole available over the counter?

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No. Albendazole is a prescription medicine: every Albendazole product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Albendazole first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Albendazole is from 1996: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Albendazole was first used.

Who makes Albendazole?

▾
10 companies currently list Albendazole products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Actavis Pharma, Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Albendazole on HelloPharmacist

📊Albendazole supplement interactions18 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerAlbendazole vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Albendazole NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Albendazole Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Albendazole forms and strengths (how it comes)

Albendazole is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Albendazole inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Albenza
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Albenza tablets are indicated to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis (brain and nervous system infection) caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium
  • Albenza tablets are indicated to treat cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus
  • Albendazole tablets are indicated to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium
  • Albendazole tablets are indicated to treat cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus
Important instructions
  • Albenza and albendazole tablets should be taken with food — a fatty meal significantly improves absorption
  • Albenza and albendazole tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a drink of water
  • Albenza tablets for hydatid disease are given in 28-day treatment cycles followed by a 14-day break, for a total of 3 cycles; for neurocysticercosis, treatment runs for 8 to 30 days — follow your prescriber's exact plan
  • Albendazole tablets for hydatid disease follow the same 28-day-on, 14-day-off cycle for 3 total cycles; for neurocysticercosis, the course is 8 to 30 days as directed by your prescriber
Available strengths 1 strength
200 mg
19 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Albendazole on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Albendazole appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

10 companies list 10 Albendazole product records with the FDA, mostly as tablet; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1996. Brand names on the directory include Albenza, Valbazen, Albendamax; the rest are generics.

1
Dose forms ⓘ
10
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
2
Brand names
10
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1996
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (13) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Actavis Pharma, Inc.10%
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc.10%
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited10%
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC10%
Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC10%
Bryant Ranch Prepack10%
Other makers40%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Albendazole is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Albendazole is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Albendazole is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

43,095
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$3M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Albendazole prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Albendazole ranks #662 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 59% of them.

Where Albendazole ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #662 of 1,601
#657 Tocilizumab Injection 43,670 Rx #658 Tenapanor 43,479 Rx #659 Etodolac 43,348 Rx #660 Ofatumumab Injection (... 43,282 Rx #661 Ofatumumab Injection (... 43,282 Rx #662 Albendazole 43,095 Rx #663 Dapsone 42,610 Rx #664 Tezepelumab Injection 42,607 Rx #665 Dornase Alfa 42,474 Rx #666 Atenolol / Chlorthalid... 42,330 Rx #667 Ivabradine 42,299 Rx

Utilization by Albendazole product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

albendazole 200 MG Oral Tablet

43,095 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 100% of Albendazole prescriptions shown $3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $69 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 43 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 199672

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Albendazole, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 4 of 43 listed Albendazole NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Albendazole products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Albendazole — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Tablet
200 mg Oral Actavis Pharma, Inc. ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC NDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC NDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Bryant Ranch Prepack ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Dr.Reddys Laboratories Inc ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. ANDA View NDC →
200 mg Oral Novadoz Pharmaceuticals LLC ANDA View NDC →

Showing 10 of 10 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 10 Albendazole NDCs →

Albendazole side effects reported to the FDA (FAERS)

After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Albendazole — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.

The effects most often named in FDA reports that mention Albendazole are pyrexia, headache, condition aggravated; about 86% of the reports were classed as serious. These are voluntary reports, so they show what people report, not how often it happens.

1,886
Reports mentioning it
86%
Reported as serious
12
Distinct effects shown
Most reported effects
Pyrexia
243
Headache
230
Condition Aggravated
223
Fatigue
176
Pain
174
Weight Decreased
174
Rash
172
Somnolence
167
Haematochezia
164
Colitis Ulcerative
157
Age groups
Adult · 130Elderly · 27Child · 13Neonate · 9Adolescent · 7Infant · 1

Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Albendazole in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Albendazole FDA approval history

How Albendazole went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.

Albendazole was first approved by the FDA in 1996 (Brand: ALBENZA · Impax Labs Inc); the first generic version was approved in 2018. It remains available in U.S. pharmacies today.

1996
Brand approved
Brand: ALBENZA · Impax Labs Inc
2018
First generic approved
Lower-cost ANDA competition begins
2026
Available today
Active in U.S. pharmacies

Source: Drugs@FDA.

Albendazole recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Albendazole recalls since July 2021.

✅No Albendazole recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Albendazole RxCUI 430 3 dose forms · 4 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Chewable Tablet RxCUI 370787 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 400 MG RxCUI 433227
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Suspension RxCUI 370788 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 20 MG/ML RxCUI 250164 113.6 MG/ML RxCUI 1006813
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 370540 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 200 MG RxCUI 199672

Look up RxCUI 430 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Albendazole costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 200 mg $12.61 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet · Oral 200 mg $4.15 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Film Coated 200 mg $4.15 per tablet NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Albendazole brand names

Albendazole is sold under 3 brand names in the FDA directory — Albenza, Valbazen, Albendamax. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Albenza Valbazen Albendamax

Who makes Albendazole: manufacturers and labelers

10 companies list Albendazole products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Actavis Pharma, Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Actavis Pharma, Inc. 1 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1 Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited 1 Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC 1 Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC 1 Bryant Ranch Prepack 1 Dr.Reddys Laboratories Inc 1 Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. 1 Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. 1 Novadoz Pharmaceuticals LLC 1

Albendazole drug class (RxNorm)

Albendazole belongs to the Anthelmintic class.

Pharmacologic class Anthelmintic
Drug family (ATC) Benzimidazole derivatives
How it works Cytochrome P450 1A Inducers

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Albendazole page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Sep 30, 2019
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Albendazole.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Albendazole after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
13
Finished products in the current FDA directory
10
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
10
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
10
Linked representative label ⓘ
Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC
Linked label effective
Sep 30, 2019
Composite sections available
21
Linked SPL Set ID
06b5eefc-0b95-4862-b9b6-770063f2adf0
Linked SPL Document ID
2da2a777-2835-429d-b73a-31b8e0bde571
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗
NDC package records associated with this linked SPL 1

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →