albendazole

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poorly absorbed following oral administration because of extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism, resulting in rapid conversion to albendazole sulfoxide, the active metabolite.

Distribution: Widely distributed.

Protein Binding: 70% bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolism and Excretion: After conversion to the sulfoxide metabolite, further hepatic metabolism to inactive compounds occurs. <1% excreted in urine; excretion is primarily via bile.

Half-life: Albendazole sulfoxide—8–12 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (blood levels of albendazole sulfoxide)