Final answer:
The interaction between albendazole and grapefruit juice involves the inhibition of liver enzymes by grapefruit juice, leading to increased albendazole levels and potential toxicity. Albendazole's mechanism of action is inhibiting microtubule formation in parasites.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential interaction between albendazole and grapefruit juice primarily involves the inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) by grapefruit juice. Albendazole, an antihelminthic drug, is metabolized by CYP enzymes in the liver. Consuming grapefruit juice can increase plasma concentration of drugs like albendazole by inhibiting these enzymes, hence leading to an increase in drug bioavailability and potential toxicity.
Albendazole works by binding to the helminthic ß-tubulin, which prevents microtubule formation, crucial for nutrient absorption in intestinal cells of parasites. While benzimidazoles are effective against a broad range of helminthic infections, unintended drug interactions such as with grapefruit juice, could result in increased side effects or toxicity due to altered metabolism. It is thus critical to be aware of such interactions in the clinical management of helminthic infections.