What Is Albendazole?
Albendazole is used to treat certain infections caused by worms such as pork tapeworm and dog tapeworm.
Albendazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Albendazole should not be used during pregnancy, unless there is no alternate treatment. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albendazole, or to similar drugs such as mebendazole (Vermox).
To make sure albendazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease; or
- bone marrow suppression.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
It is not known whether albendazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Albendazole Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- signs of bone marrow suppression--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing, easy bruising or bleeding; or
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- dizziness, spinning sensation;
- headache; or
- temporary hair loss.
Albendazole Interactions
Other drugs may interact with albendazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Albendazole Dosage
Take with food.
In a young child (or anyone who is unable to swallow a whole albendazole tablet), the tablet should be crushed or chewed and swallowed with a full glass of water.
You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of albendazole, or certain effects that can result when the parasites die within your body.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Albendazole doses are based on weight.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Albendazole can weaken your immune system. Your blood may need to be tested often. You will need frequent blood tests (every 2 weeks) to check your liver function.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.