Which of the following anthelmintic drugs should be avoided in children due to toxicity concerns?

Albendazole is known to have potential toxicity concerns in children, which is why it is often avoided or used with caution in pediatric populations. This drug can cause bone marrow suppression and other side effects such as hepatotoxicity, particularly in younger patients or those with compromised liver function. Safety profiles for anthelmintic agents are carefully evaluated, and while albendazole can be effective against a variety of parasitic infections, its use in children must be balanced against the risks of adverse effects.

Other options such as pyrantel, mebendazole, and levamisole have more favorable safety profiles in children, often being recommended for use due to their lower risk of serious side effects. Pyrantel is typically well tolerated and is used frequently for treating pinworm infections. Mebendazole is also common in pediatric cases, noted for its efficacy against a range of intestinal worms with a relatively safe profile. Levamisole, while less commonly used now, has also been shown to be safe in children when used appropriately. Therefore, among the listed drugs, albendazole stands out as one that clinicians may prefer to avoid in pediatric patients due to its associated toxicity risks.