Pregnancy albendazole

Anthelmintic important drug for pinworm and whipworm infections. Inhibits microtubule synthesis and glucose uptake in nematodes. Tox GI distress, caution in pregnancy. Albendazole and thiabendazole are related anthelmintics. 

Albendazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and during pregnancy (Category C). The drug has exhibited embiyotoxic and teratogenic effects in experimental animals. Albendazole is used cautiously in patients witii hepatic impairment and during lactation. The effects of albendazole are increased with dexamethasone and cimetidina... 

Blood counts and liver function studies should be monitored during long-term therapy. The drug should not be given to patients with known hypersensitivity to other benzimidazole drugs or to those with cirrhosis. The safety of albendazole in pregnancy and in children younger than 2 years of age has not been established. 

It has been emphasized that albendazole is teratogenic in animals and should not be used in pregnancy (40). 

Albendazole inhibits cellular division and thus is contraindicated in pregnancy. To avoid serious complications, the drug must be discontinued at least I month before conception. 

Mebendazole, albendazole, and pyrantel pamoate (antiminth, others) are preferred drugs all infected persons should be treated. Mebendazole and albendazole are preferred for therapy of asymptomatic-to-moderate ascariasis. Both compounds should be used with caution to treat heavy Ascaris infections, alone or with hookworms. Rarely, hyperactive ascarids may migrate to cause complications such as appendicitis, biliary or intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation— sometimes requiring surgery. Pyrantel is safe for use in pregnancy, whereas BZAs should be avoided during the first trimester (see below). 

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