Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic; evaluate pregnancy status, hepatic function, and bone marrow reserve before therapy.
Absolute contraindication is hypersensitivity to albendazole or other benzimidazoles. Relative precautions include pregnancy (especially first trimester), breastfeeding, chronic liver disease, and pre-existing cytopenias.
Cross-reactivity within the benzimidazole class can provoke severe cutaneous or anaphylactic events; consider alternative antiparasitics.
Albendazole is teratogenic in animals; defer therapy until the second trimester unless maternal benefit is compelling and no alternatives exist.
Albendazole undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism; obtain baseline and periodic liver tests and interrupt treatment if enzymes rise.
Rare, reversible pancytopenia has been reported; monitor complete blood counts with prolonged regimens.
Limited data exist on milk transfer; short courses appear acceptable, but counsel mothers to watch infants for GI upset.