Albendazole Dosage for Deworming: Complete Guide for Indian Families

SSoil-transmitted worms (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm) are common in Indian children. 30-40% of Indian kids have worm infection detected on stool exams. Symptoms: Bloated belly, loss of appetite, anemia (iron loss from hookworm), sleep disturbance, itching around anus (pinworm), weight loss, low school performance, chronic fatigue. India conducts National Deworming Day (twice yearly for kids 1-19). Indian brands: Zentel 400 (GSK, ₹15/single tablet), Bendex 400 (Cipla, ₹20), Wormin 400 (Mankind, ₹18), Albendazole syrup for younger kids.

Age 1-2 years: 200mg (half tablet or 5ml of 200mg/5ml syrup) single dose. Age 2+ (including adults): 400mg single dose. For pinworm: Repeat dose in 2 weeks (eggs in environment re-infect). For tapeworm/hydatid: Higher dose × longer course under doctor. Chew or swallow tablet. Take with food (fatty meal improves absorption for tapeworm). For simple soil-transmitted worms, single dose is sufficient. Frequency: Every 6 months for kids 1-19 in endemic areas (India is endemic). Adults: as needed or annually if exposed.

Routine: Every 6 months as part of National Deworming Day (February 10 and August 10 in India). Targeted: Symptoms suggesting worms - bloated belly, loss of appetite, pale/tired (anemia), perianal itching (pinworm), restless sleep, weight not gaining, visible worms in stool or anus. When stool test confirms. When sibling has worms (whole family treat). When coming from village to city or monsoon exposure to contaminated soil/water. Give: 6 months of age onwards (below 1 year: paediatrician advice).

Single-dose: Generally well-tolerated. Mild stomach upset (5%), nausea (3%), headache (2%), dizziness (rare). Allergic rash rare. Tapeworm patients: dying worm can cause symptoms - stomach pain, diarrhea (expected, not alarming). Long-course (for hydatid disease): more significant - liver enzyme elevation, bone marrow suppression - needs monitoring. Hair loss very rare. Drug interactions: Cimetidine (raises levels), phenytoin/carbamazepine (reduce levels), dexamethasone (raises). Tell prescriber if on these.

If one family member has worms, likely whole family exposed (shared bathroom, kitchen, water). Treat everyone together: All children + adults single dose 400mg same day. Follow-up dose at 2 weeks (especially if pinworm). Hygiene measures: Wash hands before meals and after toilet (all family). Trim nails short (kids). Wash kids' bedding + underwear in hot water. Daily bath. No playing barefoot in soil. Properly cook vegetables (especially leafy). Boil or filter water. Don't eat soil/sand (pica). These break the re-infection cycle.

Pregnancy first trimester: Avoid - potential harm in first 12 weeks. 2nd/3rd trimester: Used if indicated (hookworm causing anemia; doctor decides). Breastfeeding: Small amount in milk; occasional dose OK, not routine during breastfeeding first 3 months. Liver disease: Dose reduction. Kids < 6 months: Rarely needed; paediatrician decides. Severe kidney disease: No dose adjustment typically, but caution. Known allergy to albendazole or mebendazole: avoid. Alcoholism, ongoing liver enzyme elevation: needs doctor eval.