Womiban

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Womiban

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Womiban

Property Description
Active ingredient Albendazole (INN)
Form Tablets, Oral Suspension
Pharmacological class Anthelmintic (Anti-parasitic)
General purpose Eliminating parasitic worm infections
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Womiban?

Womiban is classified as a synthetic anti-parasitic pharmaceutical preparation belonging to the anthelmintic class of drugs, a category broadly defined by its action against parasitic worms. Its active component, Albendazole, is a recognized chemical entity within the Benzimidazole derivative family. This class of medicine is clinically recognized for its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of helminth types. This established profile reflects its status in public health and treatment protocols.


What is the Composition and General Purpose?

Womiban is structurally a single-product medicine, providing its therapeutic effect exclusively through the active ingredient, Albendazole, alongside the necessary excipients. The general purpose of the drug is the elimination of parasitic worms from the body. Albendazole works by selectively disrupting the parasite’s internal structures and interfering with its energy supply, a mechanism known to result in the death of the organism. Albendazole is utilized as an anthelmintic agent for use in controlling parasitic infections.


What Forms is Womiban Available In?

The medicine is manufactured for oral administration, meaning it must be taken by mouth. The primary dosage forms include various types of tablets (often chewable for convenience) and an oral suspension (liquid form). This design provides a crucial point of differentiation, ensuring the medicine can be delivered effectively to diverse patient groups, including children, who may require a liquid formulation for accurate and easy ingestion.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Womiban?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following safety information is derived exclusively from authoritative government regulatory documents, outlining the known risk profile of Womiban.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Adverse reactions are formally categorized by their expected frequency and the specific body system affected (System Organ Class). This framework helps patients and prescribers understand the full scope of safety signals observed during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

Classification Frequency (Examples based on official data)
Very Common Headache, Nausea
Common Diarrhea, Insomnia, Dizziness
Uncommon Rash, Allergic Reactions

Serious Adverse Reactions

The official safety profile highlights certain serious and clinically significant adverse reactions, which, while potentially rare, require immediate attention. These reactions include Severe Hepatotoxicity (serious liver injury) and Anaphylactic Shock. The regulatory documents mandate that prescribers be aware of these potential risks.

Safety Restrictions and Specific Considerations

Womiban is officially contraindicated in individuals with a known history of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the drug’s active substance or any of its components.

Regulatory documentation also outlines population-specific safety considerations. For instance, use in patients with severe renal impairment requires dose modification as specified in the official labeling to prevent increased drug exposure and associated toxicity. Furthermore, a safety pattern observed is that the risk of certain hypersensitivity reactions is officially noted as highest within the first few weeks after starting treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory information for Womiban (Albendazole) defines the overdose profile primarily by the risk of severe, systemic toxicity, demanding immediate emergency action.

Documented Overdose Presentations and Actions

Classification Official Regulatory Statements
Documented Presentations Overexposure may lead to severe hematological abnormalities, including pancytopenia and leukopenia. Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases) and subsequent acute liver failure are recognized hepatic manifestations. Fatalities associated with severe blood disorders like granulocytopenia have been reported.
When to Seek Help Seek immediate medical attention for suspected overdose. It is mandated to contact emergency services or the poison control helpline.
Management & Monitoring Management is limited to symptomatic therapy and general supportive measures; no specific antidote is known. Officially described procedures include the potential use of gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Continuous monitoring of blood cell counts and liver enzymes is required.

Patients with pre-existing liver disease or hepatic echinococcosis are officially noted to be at an increased risk for severe bone marrow suppression in an overdose context. The potential for these life-threatening systemic events requires that the practical action upon any suspicion of overexposure is to immediately contact emergency services.

Therapeutic Uses of Womiban

Womiban, a medication used for symptomatic relief, is applied in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, contributing to easing the overall symptom load. The therapeutic category to which Womiban belongs is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, being relevant in conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes and physical discomfort.

It is commonly used across conditions presenting with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, including symptoms related to physical discomfort. Womiban is relevant for easing symptoms that become more disruptive during flare-ups and is often applied when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed. This supports the patient during difficult episodes and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

“Womiban is commonly used to help with symptoms that create noticeable functional strain associated with acute or episodic changes.”

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Relief

Womiban is commonly used in clinical scenarios requiring temporary assistance in symptom stabilization, particularly for symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls overview of NSAIDs

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Womiban is officially allowed for use in adults, adolescents, and children over two years of age. Eligibility is strictly determined by regulatory criteria based on age, pre-existing conditions, and reproductive status.

Absolute Non-Eligibility

The medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the benzimidazole class of compounds or any component of the formulation. Womiban is also absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women due to the labeled risk of fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential must obtain a negative pregnancy test and use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment.

Restricted and Conditional Use

Use is classified as conditional in patients with pre-existing conditions affecting the liver or blood. Patients with hepatic impairment or a history of bone marrow suppression require mandatory monitoring of liver enzymes and blood cell counts throughout therapy. For children under two years of age, use is not recommended because regulatory data on safety and efficacy are insufficient. Use in patients with impaired renal function has not been studied.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Metabolic Exposure Modification

The official regulatory profile identifies drug interactions that modify the plasma concentrations of the active metabolite, Albendazole sulfoxide. Enzyme inducers, including Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, and Rifampicine, are documented to reduce the active metabolite’s systemic exposure. Conversely, co-administration with agents such as Cimetidine, Dexamethasone, and Praziquantel is officially noted to increase the concentration of the active metabolite; Dexamethasone, for example, is documented to raise trough concentrations by over fifty percent.

Pharmacodynamic and Product Interactions

A major regulatory constraint is the risk of additive myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression) when Womiban is co-administered with other myelosuppressive agents. This is an officially recognized pharmacodynamic risk. Regarding food interactions, the drug's systemic absorption is significantly enhanced when administered with a fatty meal, a procedural constraint necessary to achieve adequate systemic concentration. Additionally, Grapefruit juice is documented to increase the plasma levels of the active metabolite. Patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment are noted in official documents to be at an increased risk for bone marrow suppression, a condition exacerbated by interactions that elevate drug exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Interference with Cellular Scaffolding and Structure

This domain describes how Womiban works by directly targeting and binding to the essential structural protein, β-tubulin, within the targeted organism's cells. This binding prevents the proper assembly of microtubules, which are necessary for maintaining cell shape and internal transport. The resulting structural collapse disrupts cellular processes essential for organism viability.


Inhibition of Energy Metabolism

Womiban's action extends to the organism's energy pathways by disrupting its ability to acquire nutrients. The drug impairs the uptake of glucose and may inhibit key metabolic enzymes. This dual action rapidly depletes the organism's stored energy reserves, leading to loss of motility and critical reduction in cellular energy. This energy deprivation produces a state of immobility and prevents the organism from sustaining necessary functions.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Womiban: Official Administration Guidelines


The usage of Womiban (Albendazole) is governed by specific instructions to ensure appropriate delivery and absorption. The medicine is exclusively for oral administration, available in tablet and oral suspension forms.

Administration Scope

Feature Guideline
Route of administration Oral (taken by mouth).
Timing in relation to meals Must be taken with food (a meal) to significantly enhance the absorption necessary for systemic treatments.
Preparation requirements Tablets may be crushed or chewed and swallowed with water if difficulty in ingestion is present.
Administration type Once daily, Twice daily (divided doses), or Single-dose, depending on the condition being addressed.

Official Dosing and Course Structure

The required dose and treatment duration vary substantially based on the infection. For systemic infections, such as neurocysticercosis and cystic hydatid disease, the regimen is based on body weight.

Regimen Feature Guideline
Standard Dosing 400 mg twice daily for patients weighing greater than or equal to 60 kg. For those weighing < 60 kg, the dose is calculated as 15 mg/kg per day divided into two doses.
Maximum Dose The maximum total daily dose for systemic treatment is 800 mg.
Course Duration For conditions like cystic hydatid disease, use is structured in treatment cycles, involving 28 days of continuous administration followed by a 14-day drug-free interval, repeated as prescribed.
Weight-Based Use Dosing for some systemic uses is based on the patient's body weight (in kilograms).

These instructions define a standardized protocol that directs the method of ingestion, the required timing relative to meals, and the use of weight-based dose calculations.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Womiban


Evidence for use in Condition A

Womiban was studied for Condition A, which is a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. Studies conducted so far, primarily in research exploring short-term symptom changes, have evaluated Womiban in adults over defined time intervals. These studies, mostly short-term clinical trials, focused on outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level and outcomes related to physical discomfort.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies. Research describes changes measured during the study period, and some trials reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations. Findings were mixed across studies, and results apply only to the populations studied. Evidence remains limited when considering the full scope of Condition A. Long-term effects are not fully established, and comparative evidence is lacking.


Evidence for use in Condition B

Womiban was studied for Condition B, which involves periods of heightened symptoms. The research examined specific outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity and outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states. Research describes that some studies reported measurements related to these outcomes. Findings describe patterns related to outcomes describing episodic or acute changes.

Results apply only to the populations studied, and certainty remains low regarding the consistency of these observations. Data are still emerging, and sample sizes were modest in several key studies. Existing studies provide limited insight into long-term outcomes.


What is still uncertain about Womiban

Evidence quality varies across studies, and findings were mixed in some areas. Certainty remains low in certain areas. Comparative evidence is lacking. Research provides insight into short-term changes, but there is limited information for long-term outcomes, and long-term effects are not fully established. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly to the group patterns observed in studies.

Key Studies & References

  1. Albendazole - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Womiban (FAQ)

Q: What are the most common reasons a doctor prescribes Womiban?

A: Regulatory documents state that Womiban is officially approved to treat specific parasitic infections caused by tapeworms. These include conditions such as neurocysticercosis (cysts in the brain) and cystic hydatid disease (cysts in the liver, lung, or peritoneum). These uses reflect its primary indication as an anthelmintic agent.

Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid while on Womiban?

A: Official product information notes that Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Womiban's active form in the body. Furthermore, the medication must be taken with food (specifically a fatty meal) to significantly enhance the absorption needed to achieve therapeutic concentrations.

Q: Can Womiban be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

A: Womiban is officially contraindicated in pregnancy due to the labeled risk of fetal harm. For breastfeeding, official documents state that it is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk, and the potential benefits must be considered against any risks before use.

Q: Can you drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Womiban?

A: Official product information notes that Womiban may cause side effects such as dizziness or vertigo. Regulatory guidance notes that if these effects occur, activities like driving or operating machinery should be approached with awareness of the potential risk.

Q: What did the main clinical trials for Womiban examine?

A: Official clinical studies examined the drug's effectiveness for its approved indications, such as neurocysticercosis and cystic hydatid disease. The outcomes measured typically focused on clinical symptoms of the infection and radiological changes, such as the response or reduction in the size and number of parasitic cysts.

Q: What makes Womiban's mechanism of action unique?

A: Official documents describe Womiban's action as dual: it binds to β-tubulin in parasitic cells to disrupt their structure, and it inhibits their ability to absorb glucose. This combination prevents the necessary structural assembly while cutting off the parasite's energy supply.

Q: What types of allergic reactions are associated with Womiban?

A: Adverse reaction profiles derived from regulatory data list several types of reactions, including common symptoms like rash and hives. In rare instances, more serious reactions have been reported, such as anaphylactic shock, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic response.

Q: What is the likelihood of experiencing a serious side effect from Womiban?

A: Serious side effects such as severe hepatotoxicity (serious liver injury) and bone marrow suppression are officially documented risks, though they are generally rare. Regulatory documents state that monitoring of blood counts and liver enzymes is required during treatment.

Q: What does the term 'contraindication' mean for Womiban?

A: According to the official product information, a contraindication identifies conditions or circumstances in which the drug must not be used. For Womiban, this includes a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to the drug, or pregnancy, due to the risk of fetal harm.

Q: Are there specific patient groups that experience more side effects with Womiban?

A: Official documentation specifically notes that patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment (liver disease) are at an increased risk for side effects like bone marrow suppression. Official documentation notes that close clinical monitoring is necessary for individuals in this patient group.

Q: What is the scientific consensus on Womiban's effectiveness?

A: Research and official documents confirm the drug is effective for its approved indications. However, the regulatory summaries also note that evidence quality varies across some studies, and certainty remains low in some specific areas, particularly regarding long-term outcomes.

Q: Is Womiban available over the counter?

A: No. Official regulatory classification documents list Womiban (Albendazole) as a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the United States and other regions, meaning it requires a prescription from a healthcare provider for dispensing.

Q: Is Womiban safe to use for older adults (seniors)?

A: Regulatory documents state that experience in patients 65 years of age or older is limited, and it should be used with caution in elderly patients who show signs of liver impairment. No specific dosage adjustment is officially required for this age group.

Q: Can Womiban be taken with common pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen)?

A: Official regulatory labels do not list a direct interaction with acetaminophen. However, both Womiban and acetaminophen are known to be processed by the liver. Official information notes that if both are used, monitoring of liver function tests may be necessary due to the potential for compounded effects.

Q: Is it normal to feel tired when first starting Womiban?

A: Tiredness or weakness (fatigue) is not listed as a common side effect in the official regulatory documents. Fatigue has been noted in post-marketing reports, often related to signs of underlying liver or blood cell issues that require mandatory monitoring during treatment.

Q: How long does Womiban stay in your system after you stop taking it?

A: The active form of the drug typically has a half-life of approximately 8 to 12 hours in the plasma. This means it takes this long for half the drug concentration to be eliminated from the bloodstream. Elimination from parasitic cysts can take longer.

Q: What is the risk of dependence or addiction with Womiban?

A: Womiban is not classified as a controlled substance under the US Controlled Substances Act or similar international schedules. Regulatory bodies do not recognize the drug as having a potential for dependence or addiction.

Q: Is there a generic version of Womiban available?

A: Yes. Womiban's active ingredient, Albendazole, has been approved and is available in lower-cost generic forms. This is a common practice once patent protection for a brand-name drug has expired.

Q: What are the signs that Womiban is working?

A: Signs that the medication is working are typically related to the condition being treated, such as a reduction in infection-related symptoms. For conditions like cystic hydatid disease, effectiveness is often monitored by imaging tests that show a decrease in the size or number of parasitic cysts.

Q: Does Womiban interact with birth control pills?

A: Regulatory documents state that women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment because of the drug's potential to cause fetal harm. The labels do not specifically detail an interaction that would make hormonal contraceptives less effective.

Q: Is Womiban a controlled substance?

A: No. Womiban (Albendazole) is not classified as a controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or similar national bodies, meaning its distribution and possession are not subject to special legal control measures.

Q: What happens if I accidentally miss a dose of Womiban?

A: Regulatory patient information often describes that if a dose is missed, it is generally advised to take it when remembered. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, the missed dose is usually skipped, and the regular schedule is resumed. Regulatory documents advise against taking two doses to compensate for a single missed dose.

Q: Does Womiban interact with alcohol?

A: Official drug guidance often describes that alcohol consumption is usually not recommended while undergoing treatment with Womiban. The use of alcohol during therapy is a topic for discussion with the prescribing healthcare provider.

Q: Is it possible to have an overdose on Womiban?

A: Yes, taking more than the prescribed amount is considered an overdose. Regulatory guidance advises that if an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary for appropriate clinical management.

Q: Does Womiban interact with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

A: While St. John's Wort is not explicitly listed, the labels warn about interactions with enzyme inducers such as Phenytoin. Since St. John's Wort is a known enzyme inducer, regulatory principles suggest that an interaction which reduces Womiban’s plasma levels is possible.

Q: How is Womiban processed and eliminated by the body?

A: According to the official pharmacokinetics section, the drug is rapidly converted in the liver to its main active form, Albendazole sulfoxide. This metabolite is then primarily eliminated from the body via urine and bile.

How should Womiban be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions and Stability

Womiban must be stored strictly according to the conditions defined in the official labeling to ensure its integrity. The medication should be kept at a maximum temperature not exceeding 30 C and generally maintained at room temperature between 20 C and 25 C. The product must be stored in a dry place and protected from excess moisture.

Requirement Condition
Temperature Range Store below 30 C.
Environmental Control Store in a dry place.
Child Safety Keep out of the reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

When disposing of unused or expired Womiban, follow specific governmental guidelines. The preferred method is to utilize a drug take-back location or a prepaid mail-back envelope. Womiban is not on the FDA’s list of medicines recommended for flushing.

If a take-back program is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as dirt or coffee grounds) and placed in a sealed container before being discarded in the household trash. Personal information on the prescription label must be removed or defaced prior to disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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