What is 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 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:
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.
How should I take 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 miss a dose of 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.
Where can I get more information about albendazole?
Your pharmacist has information about albendazole written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of 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.
What is the most important information I should know about albendazole?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to albendazole, or to similar
medications such as mebendazole (Vermox).
Before using albendazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver
disease or have ever had abnormal liver function tests.
You should 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.
Take albendazole with food to lessen stomach upset.
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.
What should I avoid while taking 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.
What other drugs will affect 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 happens if I have an overdose of albendazole?