Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis and other helminth infections. A benzimidazole broad-spectrum anthelmintic structurally related to mebendazole that is effective against many diseases.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the tegument and intestinal cells of the worm by diminishing its energy production, ultimately leading to immobilization and death of the parasite. It works by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules. As cytoplasmic microtubules are critical in promoting glucose uptake in larval and adult stages of the susceptible parasites, the glycogen stores of the parasites are depleted. Degenerative changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria of the germinal layer, and the subsequent release of lysosomes result in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminth.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium and for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused...Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C12H15N3O2S · 265.331 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 1996
- Also known as
- Eskazole · Proftril
- Code names
- NSC-220008 · RS-8852 · SK&F-62979
- Brand names
Resolves to
HXHWSAZORRCQMX-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCCSC1=CC2=C(C=C1)N=C(NC(=O)OC)N2What you can answer from here — as of September 16, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Albendazole, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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