Mebendazole vs Albendazole

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Written By Julie Ingram
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When comparing Mebendazole and Albendazole, we need to know the various factors influencing our choice. 

Both Albendazole and Mebendazole are worm medicines that ferociously kill intestinal parasites and worms.

They belong to a class of medicines known as Anthelmintics, which translates to anti-worm medicines.

Despite these similarities between them, several differences also exist.

In this article on Mebendazole vs Albendazole, we will compare both medicines head to head to determine which one you should purchase.

Table of contents

How do these drugs work?

Doctors prescribe Mebendazole and Albendazole to patients to help them get rid of worms and parasites.

Mebendazole is marketed as Vermox, while Albendazole is sold under the brand name Zentel.

We can’t compare these two medicines head to head when it comes to how they work.

Being Benzimidazoles both of these medicines work similarly.

Albendazole and Mebendazole cut off the sugar and starch supply to the parasites.

This starves the parasites that are residing in your tummy and paralyzes them.

These paralyzed parasites cannot stick to your intestines anymore as they did before and get washed away with your bowel movements.

TL: DR, both of these medicines eliminate parasites by starving them and eventually killing them.

Efficacies of both drugs

A woman in a pharmacy chosing between two medicines
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Now, let us find out which drug would better fit you.

Albendazole (Zentel) and Mebendazole (Vermox) have advantages and disadvantages, but Albendazole is better for most doctors.

The National Library of Medicine conducted a trial in two rural communities of Bolivia.

The results of this trial were as follows:

  • Both Mebendazole and Albendazole were considered 100 percent efficient in killing a type of worm called Ascariasis
  • In the treatment of Hookworm infection, Albendazole was more effective than Mebendazole
  • The cure rate for hookworm infection for Albendazole vs Mebendazole was 81.2 percent vs. 17.2 percent. In addition, the egg reduction rate for the same was 92.8 percent with Albendazole and 62.4 percent with Mebendazole
  • In the case of whipworm (Trichuriasis), Albendazole had a higher egg reduction rate than Mebendazole (45.7 percent vs. 15 percent) but a lower cure rate (33.3 percent vs. 60 percent)

This study clearly states that Albendazole has the upper hand in treating common parasites that lurk in your stomach.

Therefore, if you plan on buying Albendazole, you can do so from our online pharmacy ForDailyMedicine.

Did you know that Zentel is also available in a syrup form for convenient administration? For a more in-depth exploration, read this article– Zentel Syrup: The Best Deworming Solution

What to expect after taking these medicines?

Mebendazole kills intestinal worms by cutting off their food source and starving them.

Also, Mebendazole stays active for a half-life of three to six hours in your body, which eliminates as many worms, larvae, and eggs in your system.

For a day or two, your stool might contain dead worms and eggs. It is entirely normal and is not a matter of concern. 

However, if you start having diarrhea, you should contact your healthcare provider as this is one of the side effects that is the same for both medicines.

Albendazole works similarly, but its functioning has a few critical differences.

To understand this topic comprehensively, you can go through this article on What To Expect After Taking Zentel (Albendazole).

Side effects of Albendazole and Mebendazole

First things first, you should not consume either of these medicines if you are susceptible to an allergic reaction to Benzimidazoles.

Both Albendazole and Mebendazole belong to subclasses of an organic compound called Benzimidazole.

Therefore, before even comparing Mebendazole vs. Albendazole, consult with your doctor and ensure that you aren’t allergic to these medicines.

If, however, you have swelling in any part of your body or are unable to breathe, rush to a hospital.

These symptoms mentioned above are that of a severe allergic reaction and can be fatal if left untreated.

Common side effects of Albendazole include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Reversible Hair Loss
  • Stomach Pain

Common side effects of Mebendazole include:

  • Rashes
  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever (rare)
  • Seizures (very rare)

Keep in mind that both these medicines can interact with other medicines and even food. Thus, increasing the risk of experiencing side effects.

Check out this article to know which Foods and Beverages to Avoid While Taking Zentel (Albendazole).

Where can you buy these medicines?

Two pharmacists discussing something

In the United States, both Albendazole and Mebendazole are prescription drugs.

This implies that you cannot purchase these OTC (Over-the-counter) medicines and need a doctor’s prescription to buy these medicines.

However, many fake websites sell these medicines without any prescription. These websites are fraudulent and should not be trusted.

Therefore, to decide where to buy these medicines, look at this comprehensive article– Where Can I Buy Zentel Worm Medicine?

Can you get rid of parasites without any medication?

Although very little research is available in this area, a few remedies can cure intestinal parasites.

Having a healthy immune system and consuming adequate amounts of water can significantly help avoid these intestinal parasites.

Certain foods can also kill intestinal parasites in humans.

Some of these foods include eating probiotics, papaya seeds, beta-carotene-rich foods, etc.

Check out our post for additional information on How to Get Rid of Worms in Humans Without Medication.

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