Albendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis and other helminth infections. Albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the tegument and intestinal cells of the worm by diminishing its energy production, ultimately leading to immobilization and death of the parasite. It works by binding to the colchicine-sensitive site of tubulin, thus inhibiting its polymerization or assembly into microtubules. As cytoplasmic microtubules are critical in promoting glucose uptake in larval and adult stages of the susceptible parasites, the glycogen stores of the parasites are depleted. Cellular glucose dissipates which results in decreased production and dissipation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminth. Degenerative changes in the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria of the germinal layer, and the subsequent release of lysosomes also result in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP),

Albendazole Pathway References