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What Is the Difference between Albendazole and Mebendazole?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Albendazole and mebendazole are effective in the management of intestinal parasites, but albendazole tends to work better in cases where the organisms have formed cysts in muscles and organs. Patients can also tolerate therapy with albendazole better, which may be a consideration in some cases. The best treatment option for intestinal nematode infections can depend on the specific organisms involved, the patient’s age, and medical history, all of which can influence the choice of medication.

Both of these medications work to kill worms in the body. Albendazole and mebendazole are taken in oral doses of varying amounts, depending on the specifics of the infection. Worms in the gut can be killed through direct contact, while albendazole spreads through the bloodstream via intestinal absorption. When it reaches organisms encysted in organs like the liver or deep in the patient’s muscle tissue, it kills them, stopping the infection in its tracks.

Some people experience nausea and vomiting with mebendazole.
Some people experience nausea and vomiting with mebendazole.

Some patients may be advised to take combination therapy with these medications, or other mixtures of anti-parasitic agents. This can assure complete coverage for an infection, especially in a case where the patient has been colonized by multiple organisms. Treating just one might mean another is missed. Testing after the drug therapy is finished can determine the effectiveness of the treatment. It may be necessary to repeat the dose or to change medications.

With albendazole, there may be concerns about drug interactions for patients taking other medications for a different condition.
With albendazole, there may be concerns about drug interactions for patients taking other medications for a different condition.

Another difference between albendazole and mebendazole that can be important is the patient’s tolerance for the drugs. Treatment with albendazole appears to be better tolerated, with fewer uncomfortable side effects like nausea and vomiting. If a patient had a bad reaction in the past to mebendazole, the other drug may be preferred to keep the patient more comfortable. Concerns may exist about drug interactions in the case of combination therapy or treatment for a patient already on another medication who cannot stop taking it.

When albendazole reaches parasites in organs like the liver, it kills them and stops the infection.
When albendazole reaches parasites in organs like the liver, it kills them and stops the infection.

The choice between albendazole and mebendazole in a specific case can depend on a number of factors. A medical provider may consider past experience, test results, and the patient’s history when selecting the best medication for the situation. Parasitic infections are common, can be very aggressive, and may cause serious complications if they are not treated promptly and effectively. This can be a significant concern in areas where they are endemic due to poor sanitation, making it highly likely patients will contract repeat infections for which they will need rapid treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Some people experience nausea and vomiting with mebendazole.
      By: jedi-master
      Some people experience nausea and vomiting with mebendazole.
    • With albendazole, there may be concerns about drug interactions for patients taking other medications for a different condition.
      By: Scott Griessel
      With albendazole, there may be concerns about drug interactions for patients taking other medications for a different condition.
    • When albendazole reaches parasites in organs like the liver, it kills them and stops the infection.
      By: pankajstock123
      When albendazole reaches parasites in organs like the liver, it kills them and stops the infection.
    • The best treatment for intestinal nematode infections depends on the organisms involved.
      By: graphicgeoff
      The best treatment for intestinal nematode infections depends on the organisms involved.