Aldol 400 Tablet

Q1: What is Aldol 400 Tablet used for?

Aldol 400 contains Albendazole 400mg and is used to treat a wide range of parasitic worm infections including roundworm (ascariasis), hookworm, whipworm (trichuriasis), tapeworm, neurocysticercosis (brain cysts caused by Taenia solium), and cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease).

Q2: How does Albendazole in Aldol 400 work?

Albendazole inhibits polymerisation of tubulin, a structural protein in parasites, disrupting their cytoskeleton and blocking glucose uptake. This causes energy depletion and cellular degeneration, leading to death of the parasite. It acts against both adult worms and larval stages.

Q3: What parasitic infections does Aldol 400 treat?

Aldol 400 treats intestinal roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, pinworms, tapeworms, Strongyloides, Giardia, neurocysticercosis, cystic echinococcosis (hydatid cysts), and other tissue-invasive helminth infections.

Q4: What is the correct dose of Aldol 400 Tablet?

For most intestinal worm infections: a single 400mg dose. For neurocysticercosis: 400mg twice daily for 8–30 days (in cycles). For hydatid disease: 400mg twice daily in 28-day cycles with 14-day breaks. Your doctor will prescribe the correct duration for your condition.

Q5: Should I take Aldol 400 with food?

Yes. Albendazole bioavailability is significantly increased when taken with a fatty meal. For systemic infections (neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease), taking it with food is particularly important for adequate drug levels. For simple intestinal infections, it is less critical but still recommended.

Q6: How long does it take for Aldol 400 to work?

For intestinal worms, most are expelled within 24–72 hours of the dose. A follow-up stool examination after 3–4 weeks confirms clearance. For neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease, treatment courses span weeks to months and are monitored by imaging.

Q7: Is one dose of Aldol 400 enough for deworming?

A single 400mg dose is effective for most common intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm). Pinworm (enterobiasis) typically requires a repeat dose 2 weeks later. Neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease require prolonged treatment courses as prescribed by a specialist.

Q8: What are the common side effects of Aldol 400?

Common side effects include nausea, mild abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. With prolonged courses, temporary hair thinning (reversible) and elevated liver enzymes may occur. Patients with neurocysticercosis may experience headache or seizures due to inflammation around dying cysts.

Q9: Is Aldol 400 safe for children?

Albendazole is widely used in children over 2 years of age in global deworming programmes. The 400mg dose is standard for children over 2 years. Children under 2 years may receive reduced doses under specialist supervision. Dosing should always be confirmed by a healthcare provider.

Q10: Can pregnant women take Aldol 400?

Albendazole is contraindicated in pregnancy — it has teratogenic potential (pregnancy Category D/X in many guidelines). Women of childbearing age must rule out pregnancy before starting treatment and use effective contraception during therapy and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Do not take Aldol 400 if pregnant.

Q11: How should I store Aldol 400 Tablet?

Store at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Keep tablets in the original blister packaging, protected from light and moisture. Store out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.

Q12: Do I need a prescription for Aldol 400?

Yes, Aldol 400 requires a valid prescription. Albendazole used for systemic infections such as neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease requires specialist oversight including liver function monitoring and imaging. Even for simple deworming, a confirmed diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment.