Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug extensively used for the treatment of a wide range of parasitic worm infections, including ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infections, giardiasis, and cysticercosis. Its mechanism of action involves binding to parasite β-tubulin, which inhibits microtubule polymerization, disrupting essential cellular processes such as glucose uptake and intracellular transport, ultimately leading to energy depletion and parasite death. Albendazole is effective against both intestinal and tissue-dwelling parasites and is administered orally, often as single or multiple-dose regimens depending on the type and severity of infection. Developed in the late 1970s as an improved alternative to earlier benzimidazoles like thiabendazole, it offered enhanced safety, broader spectrum of activity, and better bioavailability, which contributed to its rapid adoption in both human and veterinary medicine. Over time, albendazole has become a cornerstone in mass deworming programs in endemic regions due to its high efficacy, favorable safety profile, and cost-effectiveness, making it an essential drug in parasitology, tropical medicine, and public health initiatives worldwide.
