Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Albendazole is indicated for the treatment of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm. This parasite can affect the muscles, brain, and eyes and lead to seizures, brain edema, and visual disturbances. Albendazole is also used in conjunction with surgical intervention to treat cystic hydatid disease, a condition caused by the dog tapeworm that affects the liver, lungs, and abdominal lining, potentially resulting in organ damage. Albendazole belongs to the class of drugs known as anthelmintics, which exert their therapeutic effect by eliminating the worms.
Uses and Dosage
Administer this medication orally with meals according to your physician’s instructions, typically 1 to 2 times daily. In the event of difficulty swallowing tablets, you may crush or chew the dose and consume it with water.
For particular conditions, such as hydatid disease, your healthcare provider may advise you to take this medication in a treatment cycle. Be sure to adhere carefully to your physician’s directives.
The dose is determined by your body weight, medical condition, and response to therapy.
Regularly utilize this medication to achieve the greatest benefit. To assist in remembering, take it at the same time(s) every day. If instructed to take this medication in a treatment cycle, it may be advantageous to mark the calendar to remind you when to take it.
Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is completed, even if symptoms vanish after a few days. Halting the medication too early may result in a recurrence of the infection.
Other medications, such as corticosteroids and anti-seizure drugs, may be prescribed for your current condition.
While using this medication, avoid consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice unless your physician or pharmacist indicates that it is safe to do so. Grapefruit can increase the likelihood of side effects when combined with this medicine.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- dizziness
- reversible hair loss
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- weakness
- fatigue
- pale skin
- shortness of breath
- rash
- hives
Caution
Prior to taking albendazole, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other benzimidazole anthelmintic drugs such as mebendazole, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive constituents that can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before commencing treatment with this medication, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly any history of liver disease, biliary tract issues such as blockages, or blood/bone marrow disorders.
This medication may induce liver complications. Given that alcohol consumption heightens the risk of liver damage, limit alcoholic beverages during the course of treatment.
Notify your physician if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Usage of albendazole during pregnancy is not recommended, as it can harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy test should be ordered by your doctor before beginning therapy with this medication. Discuss reliable methods of birth control with your healthcare provider during treatment and for 3 days following the cessation of treatment. If you become pregnant, consult with your doctor promptly regarding the benefits and risks of this medication.
This medication passes into breast milk. Prior to breast-feeding, consult with your physician.
Form and Strength
Albenza is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
albendazole tablet:
- 200mg
- 400mg
FAQ
Is Albenza an antibiotic?
No. Albenza is an antiparasitic medication. It kills parasites like tapeworms.
Does Albenza treat pinworms?
Albenza is not FDA-approved to treat pinworms, but healthcare providers that specialize in treating infections might prescribe Albenza for pinworms.
