Bandy (Albendazole)
Also sold as: Bandy, Zentel, Albend, Wormin
Pregnancy
Cat C
Lactation
Safe
Schedule
H
Forms
Tablet 400mg +1
Indications
- Roundworm (Ascaris)
- Hookworm
- Pinworm (Enterobius)
- Whipworm (Trichuris)
- Strongyloidiasis
- Hydatid disease (Echinococcus)
- Neurocysticercosis
- Mass deworming programs
Adult Dosing
Common worms (single dose)
400 mg PO single dose; repeat in 2-3 weeks for pinworm
With fatty meal
Hydatid disease
15 mg/kg/day BD × 28 days, then 14-day break, repeat for 1-3 cycles
Neurocysticercosis
15 mg/kg/day × 8-30 days with steroid
Pediatric Dosing
Govt of India deworming program: 1-2y: 200mg; >2y: 400mg every 6 months
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| No adjustment needed | No CrCl-based dose adjustment required |
Hepatic Adjustment
Caution in severe hepatic disease
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C
Avoid in 1st trimester; later trimesters acceptable for severe infections.
Lactation: Safe
Safe with single dose
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Cimetidine | Increased albendazole levels | Moderate |
| Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital | Reduced albendazole levels (CYP induction) | Moderate |
| Theophylline | Increased theophylline levels | Moderate |
| Grapefruit juice | Increased levels | Minor |
DoctorScribe — AI Medical Scribe
Stop looking up Bandy — just speak the prescription
"Bandy as per dose, BD for 5 days." DoctorScribe writes the full prescription with brand, strength, frequency, and route — auto-applies pediatric weight-based dosing and renal adjustments. Try the live demo.
Side Effects
Common
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Reversible hair loss (high-dose)
Serious / Discontinue If
- Hepatotoxicity (with prolonged use)
- Bone marrow suppression (rare, prolonged use)
- SJS (very rare)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (1st trimester)
- Hypersensitivity
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Bandy 400 | Mankind | 1 tab ₹15 |
| Zentel 400 | GSK | 1 tab ₹35 |
| Albend 400 | Cipla | 1 tab ₹18 |
Monitoring Required
- LFT and CBC if prolonged use (>2 weeks)
Patient Counseling Points
- Take with fatty meal for better absorption
- Treat all family members for pinworm
- May need repeat dose in 2-3 weeks
- Wash hands, trim nails, wash bedding
Stop Googling drug references mid-consultation
EasyClinic auto-flags Bandy interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.
References
- BNF
- Lexicomp Drug Information
- Indian National Formulary
- Specialty society guidelines (RSSDI/CSI/IAP)