Toxicity of albendazole:

Albendazole, also known as albendazolum, is a medication used for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infestations. It is useful for giardiasis, trichuriasis, filariasis, neurocysticercosis, hydatid disease, pinworm disease, and ascariasis, among others.

Mechainsm of action:

The molecular mode of action of all benzimidazoles, including albendazole, consists in binding  to organelles involved in the motility, the division and the secretion processes of cells in all tubulin, a structural protein of microtubules. These microtubules are important living organisms. In the worms the blocking of microtubules perturbs the uptake of glucose, which eventually empties the glycogen reserves. This blocks the whole energy management mechanism of the worms that are paralyzed and die or are expelled.

Dose: lethal dose for cattle 300mg/kg , sheep 200mg/kg

Therapeutic dose is 5-10 mg/ kg body weight.

Clinical Signs:

• Liver, testicles and gastrointestinal tract are the most affected organs after exposure to high albendazole doses.
• Overdosing may also produce lethargy, loss of appetite, intestinal cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Other reported symptoms include dizziness, convulsions and sleeplessness.

Treatment: No specific antidote available.  supportive and symptomatic tretmeant is required.