Brief Reports
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2004. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 15, 2004; 10(8): 1215-1217
Published online Apr 15, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i8.1215
Albendazole versus metronidazole treatment of adult giardiasis: An open randomized clinical study
Oguz Karabay, Ali Tamer, Huseyin Gunduz, Derya Kayas, Huseyin Arinc, Harika Celebi
Oguz Karabay, Ali Tamer, Huseyin Gunduz, Huseyin Arinc, Harika Celebi, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine Department, Medical Faculty, Izzet Baysal Universty, Golkoy Kampusu/Bolu/Turkey
Derya Kayas, Internal Medicine Department Duzce, Social Security Hospital, Turkey
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Assist Professor Oguz Karabay, MD. Izzet Baysal Medical Faculty Infectious Disease Unit. Golkoy Kampusu/ Bolu /Turkey. drkarabay@yahoo.com
Telephone: +903742534656 Fax: +903742534559
Received: October 8, 2003
Revised: October 14, 2003
Accepted: December 24, 2003
Published online: April 15, 2004
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of albendazole and metranidazole treatment in giardiasis.

METHODS: The open comparative randomized trial was carried out prospectively from December 1999 to July 2001 in Duzce City of Turkey. The diagnosis was based on the presence of signs and symptoms compatible with giardiasis including a positive stool examination of giardia cysts or trophozoite. Metranidazole group consisted of 29 patients and was given metranidazole 500 mg, three times a day for 5 d and albendazole group was consisted of 28 patients and was given albendazole 400 mg/d for 5 d.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographical and therapeutical effects and patient’s compliance between both groups. But side effects were seen more in metranidazole group than in albendazole group.

CONCLUSION: Albendazole is as effective as metranidazole in adults’ giardiasis. Albendazole has less side effect potentials than metranidazole in the treatment of giardiasis.

Keywords: $[Keywords]