# Albendazole for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic. The US Valbazen label gives 10 mg/kg orally for cattle (worms, including adult liver flukes) and for adult liver flukes in non-lactating goats, and 7.5 mg/kg for…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/albendazole/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic [2]. The US Valbazen label gives 10 mg/kg orally for cattle (worms, including adult liver flukes) and for adult liver flukes in non-lactating goats, and 7.5 mg/kg for sheep [1].

- Class: Benzimidazole anthelmintic

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Worms incl. adult liver flukes (Valbazen label: 4 mL/100 lb of 11.36% suspension.) | 10 mg/kg [1] | PO | Single dose | Label |
| Goats | Adult liver flukes (non-lactating goats) (Valbazen label: 4 mL/100 lb.) | 10 mg/kg [1] | PO | Single dose | Label |
| Sheep | Worms (Valbazen label: 0.75 mL/25 lb.) | 7.5 mg/kg [1] | PO | Single dose | Label |

## Uses

- Cattle, goats and sheep: gastrointestinal roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms and (cattle) adult liver flukes (Valbazen label) [1].

## Mechanism of action

Benzimidazoles bind to parasite beta-tubulin; their primary mechanism of action is microtubule disruption within the parasite [2].

## Safety

- Do not give to female cattle during the first 45 days of pregnancy or for 45 days after removal of bulls (Valbazen label) [1].

## Withdrawal periods

- Cattle, meat: 27 days — Valbazen (US label): cattle must not be slaughtered within 27 days of the last treatment. [1]
- Sheep, meat: 7 days — Valbazen (US label): sheep and goats must not be slaughtered within 7 days of the last treatment. [1]
- Goats, meat: 7 days — Valbazen (US label): sheep and goats must not be slaughtered within 7 days of the last treatment. [1]
- Cattle, milk: check pack — Valbazen (US label): milk withdrawal not established — do not use in female dairy cattle of breeding age. [1]

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the albendazole dose for cattle?

10 mg/kg orally, which also covers adult liver flukes under the Valbazen label [1].

### Can albendazole be given to pregnant cows?

The Valbazen label says not to give it to female cattle during the first 45 days of pregnancy or for 45 days after removal of bulls [1].

## References

[1] VALBAZEN (albendazole) suspension — label — DailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Zoetis (2026). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=94cf5818-f27d-4374-87ad-54a2d9ce6ef1
[2] Pharmacodynamics: Mechanisms of Anthelmintic Action in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — E. Claerebout & C. E. Lanusse (Apr 2025) (2025). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/anthelmintics/pharmacodynamics-mechanisms-of-anthelmintic-action-in-animals

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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