Albendazole in intestinal helminthiasis

ABSTRACT

A new anthelmjninthic drug Albendazole [Zentel] was tested for its efficacy and tolerance in 100 children having single or mixed infestation with roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, pinworms and tapeworms. Their stools were examined by direct examination and by centrifugal floatation technique. The patients were observed carefully before and after treatment, for clinical efficacy, side effects or any alterations in haematology, blood chemistry and urine After a single dose of Albendazole [400 mg] the cure rate was 100% in Ascariasis and Ancylostomiasis. When this drug was given in the same dosage for three consecutive days the cure rate was 100% in Taeniasis and 60.6% in Hymenolepis nana. Albendazole was well tolerated and laboratory investigations showed no significant biochemical abnormalities