Albendazole for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
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].
- Drug class
- Benzimidazole anthelmintic
- Sourced doses for
- Cattle, Goats, Sheep
Albendazole dose calculator
Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.
Albendazole 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 |
What albendazole is used for
- Cattle, goats and sheep: gastrointestinal roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms and (cattle) adult liver flukes (Valbazen label) [1].
How albendazole works (mechanism of action)
Benzimidazoles bind to parasite beta-tubulin; their primary mechanism of action is microtubule disruption within the parasite [2].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
- 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
Withdrawal periods belong to a product and a country — the rows below name the product they come from. Always follow the label of the product you use.
| Species | Product | Withdrawal | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
- VALBAZEN (albendazole) suspension — label
Passage read from this source
Albendazole (Equivalent to 113.6 mg/mL) | 11.36%
the recommended rate of 4 mL/100 lb of body weight (equivalent to 4.54 mg of albendazole/lb, 10 mg/kg)
sheep at the recommended rate of 0.75 mL/25 lb of body weight (equivalent to 3.4 mg of albendazole/lb, 7.5 mg/kg)
Cattle must not be slaughtered within 27 days following last treatment.
- Pharmacodynamics: Mechanisms of Anthelmintic Action in Animals
Passage read from this source
Benzimidazole pharmacological activity is based on binding to parasite beta tubulin
The primary mechanism of action of benzimidazoles is microtubule disruption within the parasite.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.