What is Albenza (Albendazole)?

Albendazole is an anthelmintic (an-thel-MIN-tik) or anti-worm medication. It prevents newly hatched insect larvae (worms) from growing or multiplying in your body.

Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.

Albendazole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Albenza (Albendazole)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to albendazole, or to similar medications such as mebendazole (Vermox).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before using albendazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease; or
• if you have ever had abnormal liver function tests

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use albendazole if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using albendazole, and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends.

Your doctor may ask you to have a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you take albendazole.

It is not known whether albendazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Albenza Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Albenza (Albendazole)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• fever with chills, body aches, or flu-like symptoms

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain
• nausea, vomiting
• headache, dizziness; or
• temporary hair loss

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Albenza Interactions

What other drugs affect Albenza (Albendazole)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)
• praziquantel (Biltricide); or
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl, and others)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with albendazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Albenza (Albendazole)?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Albenza Dosage

How should I take Albenza (Albendazole)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Albendazole should be taken with food.

If you have trouble swallowing an albendazole tablet, you may crush or chew the tablet and then drink a full glass of water to swallow it.

Albendazole is sometimes given in a cycle of 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks of not taking the drug. This cycle is usually repeated until a total of 3 cycles have been given.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Albendazole can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store albendazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Albenza (Albendazole)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an albendazole overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Albenza (Albendazole)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com