The Basics
What is Albendazole?
Used to treat neurocysticercosis, an infection caused by the pork tapeworm, as well as to treat cystic hydatid disease, an infection caused by the dog tapeworm.
Brand names for Albendazole
Albenza
How Albendazole is classified
Anti-Infective Agents, Anticestodal Agents, Antiparasitic Agents, Antiprotozoal Agents
Albendazole During Pregnancy
Albendazole pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Albendazole while pregnant
N/A
Taking Albendazole While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Albendazole?
Albendazole and its active metabolite are minimally excreted into breastmilk. An informal consultation group to the World Health Organization concluded that a single oral dose of albendazole can be given to lactating women.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Albendazole and its active metabolite are minimally excreted into breastmilk. An informal consultation group to the World Health Organization concluded that a single oral dose of albendazole can be given to lactating women.[1]
Possible effects of Albendazole on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Albendazole
Mebendazole.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Allen HE, Crompton DW, de Silva N et al. New policies for using anthelmintics in high risk groups. Trends Parasitol. 2002;18:381-2. PMID: 12377247
2. Abdel-tawab AM, Bradley M, Ghazaly EA et al. Albendazole and its metabolites in the breast milk of lactating women following a single oral dose of albendazole. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2009;68:737-42. PMID: 19916998
3. Dhonukshe-Rutten RA, Vossenaar M, West CE et al. Day-to-day variations in iron, zinc and copper in breast milk of Guatemalan mothers. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005;40:128-34. PMID: 15699684
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
