Browse the corpus

Albendazole is an FDA-approved medication for treating a variety of parasitic worm infections. Albendazole is an antihelminthic medication with numerous indications such as cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum resulting from the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. Albendazole also has approval for treating parenchymal neurocysticercosis secondary to active lesions caused by infection with larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This activity will discuss the role of the interprofessional team in the use of this medication. Objectives: Identify the mechanism of action of albendazole. Describe the potential adverse effects of albendazole. Review the approved and off-label indications of albendazole. Identify some interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance albendazole therapy and improve outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Albendazole is one of the most commonly used antiparasitic drugs throughout the world due to its low cost and high efficacy. Most of the time, this drug is well-tolerated with very few side effects; however, this drug should not be used without physician monitoring or approval due to the risk of severe side effects such as pancytopenia; this effort requires an interprofessional team. Patients with liver dysfunction require regular liver function tests and monitoring due to the increased risk of side effects. Pharmacists can make a significant contribution to the care of patients taking albendazole by creating the proper formulation for the patient to administer. For example, patients with high aspiration risks or swallowing dysmotility can benefit from oral suspensions, and children can benefit from dissolved tablets or oral suspensions as well to increase their adherence to drug therapy. They can also check for potential drug-drug interactions and serve as a point of patient counsel about the medication and how to take it. For patients with neurologic involvement, ophthalmologists can monitor potential retinal progression and disease resolution. Infectious disease specialists can coordinate care with primary care providers to ensure proper treatment of infections. Nurses are integral to the treatment process, as they are often the direct interface with patients and can obtain information on medication side effects and patient adherence. With interprofessional management and monitoring, albendazole therapy has its best chance of achieving positive patient outcomes.