Albendazole is used to treat what?

P.CHO-2019

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: P.CHO-2019

Explanation

Albendazole is classified as a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, which is a deworming medication.
It is highly effective against a wide range of intestinal worms, including roundworm (Ascaris), hookworm, pinworm (Enterobius), and whipworm (Trichuris).
The drug is also the treatment of choice for certain systemic (tissue-based) worm infections, such as neurocysticercosis (larval pork tapeworm in the brain) and hydatid disease (cysts from dog tapeworm).
Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting microtubule synthesis within the parasite, which disrupts its ability to absorb nutrients, leading to paralysis and death.

Option A: Diarrhoea is a symptom, not a primary disease. While worm infestations can cause diarrhoea, Albendazole treats the underlying parasitic cause, not the symptom directly. Diarrhoea from other causes like bacterial or viral infections requires different treatments.
Option B: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, typically caused by bacteria (like Streptococcus pneumoniae) or viruses (like influenza). It is treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Option D: Amoebiasis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Albendazole is an anthelmintic (for worms) and is not effective against protozoa.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology and therapeutic use of Albendazole as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should instruct patients to take Albendazole with a high-fat meal to enhance its absorption, which is particularly important for treating systemic tissue infections like neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease.
Patient education should include the importance of completing the full course of treatment and practicing good hygiene (e.g., handwashing) to prevent reinfection, especially in cases of pinworm.
For long-term therapy, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient's liver function tests (LFTs) and complete blood count (CBC), as Albendazole can cause elevated liver enzymes and, rarely, bone marrow suppression.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to determine the therapeutic use of the drug 'Albendazole'.
This is a factual recall question from pharmacology. Access your knowledge about common drug classes and their indications.
Recall that Albendazole is a primary drug in the anthelmintic category. The term 'anthelmintic' means 'anti-worm'.
Evaluate the given options based on this knowledge. 'Worm infestation' is a direct match for the function of an anthelmintic drug.
Systematically eliminate the other options by identifying their correct treatments: Diarrhoea is a symptom, Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics/antivirals, and Amoebiasis (a protozoal infection) is treated with amoebicides like Metronidazole.
Confirm your choice. Albendazole's primary and well-known use is for deworming.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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