VHOSPITAL.CLINIC · Antiparasitic Treatment
Single-dose albendazole 400 mg is the WHO-recommended first-line treatment for ascariasis, achieving >95% cure rates against intestinal Ascaris lumbricoides.
Albendazole sulphoxide inhibits nematode β-tubulin, disrupting microtubule polymerisation. Ascaris worms lose motility, glucose transport ceases, and the parasite dies and is expelled in stool within 24–48 hours.
Adults and children over 2 years: 400 mg single dose. Children 12–23 months: 200 mg single dose. Take with food. No repeat dose required for simple intestinal ascariasis.
This is a general reference. Always follow your physician's prescription and current treatment guidelines.
Yes. As albendazole paralyses Ascaris worms, they are expelled in stool within 24–72 hours after treatment. Passing live or dead worms is expected and confirms treatment is working.
For simple intestinal ascariasis, a single 400 mg dose achieves 95%+ egg reduction rates and 85–90% cure rates. In areas of high reinfection, periodic mass drug administration every 6 months is recommended.
Albendazole is generally avoided in the first trimester. The WHO recommends treatment from the second trimester in endemic areas where the risk of heavy worm burden outweighs risk to the foetus.
By treating Ascariasis, Albendazole addresses these associated symptoms:
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