Albendazole is a broad-spectrum, synthetic benzimidazole-derivative anthelmintic (dewormer). The drug is not approved by the FDA because there are limited studies on egg residual concentrations in laying hens. It can be used off-label in pet chickens who are not producing eggs sold commercially for human consumption. One study confirmed that albendazole administration did not affect egg fertility. It had no impact on egg hatchability when given at a dose of 10 mg/kg, but it decreased when the dose was 4-8 times higher.
Albendazole is effective against all types of adult roundworms and tapeworms. Albendazole works by interfering with the reproduction and survival of the helminths (roundworms) by inhibiting the formation of microtubules from tubulin. This leads to an impaired uptake of glucose, a depletion of glycogen stores, resulting in the death of the worm.
Albendazole is metabolized in the bird's liver, where it is transformed into it's sulfoxide derivative. The high plasma levels of albendazole sulfoxide make it effective against adult worms and immature stages of worms located not just in the gastrointestinal tract, but in various host tissues and organs outside the gastrointestinal tract as well.
Note: Albendazole should not be given to poultry with any sort of liver disease or disorders. This is because the drug is quickly metabolized in the liver.
Administered: Albendazole must be given orally by syringe into each individual bird's mouth. Albendazole, like all benzimidazoles, are poorly soluble in water.
Dosage: 5 mg/kg bird weight is reported effective against most roundworm species. A higher dosage of 20 mg/kg is needed to be effective against roundworms and tapeworms.
Drug Storage/Stability: Albendazole suspension should be stored at room temperature(15-30°C); avoid freezing. Shake well before using.
