ABSTRACT
We examined the therapeutic effects of albendazole compared to metronidazole in 120 patients with giardiasis in Hamdan. Patients were randomized to receive albendazole [400 mg, once daily for 5 days] or metronidazole [250 mg, 3 times a day for 5 days]. Demographic data of the patients, results of stool for Giardia trophozoites before and after treatment, and drug side- effects were recorded. After treatment 6 [10.0%] of the albendazole group had trophozoites compared with 14 [23.3%] of metronidazole group [P < 0.05]. Patients in the albendazole group had fewer side- effects while 43.3% of the metronidazole group experienced a metallic taste and 35.0% experienced loss of appetite. Albendazole is an easy, safe and effective treatment for giardiasis