title: Albendazole versus metronidazole in the treatment of adult giardiasis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Albendazole (ABZ) is a benzimidazole carbamate compound currently in use for human medical practice against enterobiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH); However, its spectrum of activity is broad and goes beyond these infections.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study compares the efficacy and safety of ABZ versus metronidazole (MTZ) in human giardiasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out at the Centre of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology in Matanzas City, Cuba. Adult patients with confirmed symptomatic G. duodenalis mono-infection were randomly assigned to receive either ABZ [400 mg daily (n = 75)] or MTZ [250 mg t.i.d. (n = 75)], both for 5 days. Follow-up fecal samples were obtained at 3, 5, 7 days after treatment end.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The efficacy was similar for both treatment groups: ABZ (82.6%) and MTZ (85.3%); p > 0.05. Side-effects including bitter taste, headache, vomiting and dizziness were significantly higher in the MTZ group. Abdominal pain was significantly higher in ABZ group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ABZ was found as effective as MTZ in the treatment of G. duodenalis infections in adult patients from Cuba and could be a useful drug in areas where co-infection with STH infections is common.
authors: Cuban Institute of Gastroenterology, Havana City, Cuba. roberto.villafranca@infomed.sld.cu
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Cañete
authors: Pablo
authors: P
authors: Rodríguez
authors: Lumey
authors: L
authors: Mesa
authors: Katia
authors: K
authors: Brito
authors: Ada
authors: A
authors: Prior
authors: Dirce
authors: D
authors: Guilhem
authors: M R C G
authors: MR
authors: Novaes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D015766:Albendazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D015766:Albendazole