Albendazole
Description
Albendazole is an antiparasitic medicine that is used to treat parasitic infections caused by tapeworms. It works by decreasing the energy sources of the parasite (organisms that live in other organisms for survival), making it weaker, and eventually killing it.
Albendazole may cause common side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fever, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms stay for a long time or if they become severe.
Albendazole should be taken exactly as advised by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day to maintain a constant level of this medicine in your body.
Albendazole should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems or a history of seizures before taking this medicine.
Albendazole may interact with other medicines. Close evaluation with respect to your current medicines is necessary to avoid any undesired side effects. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Albendazole
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
- Fever
- Low blood cell count
- Skin rash and itching
- Diarrhoea
Uses of Albendazole
What is it prescribed for?
- Hydatid Disease
- Neurocysticercosis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken for Albendazole to show its effect is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectAlbendazole may remain active in your body for an approximate duration of 2 to 3 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported with Albendazole.
- Usage in pregnancy?Animal studies have shown severe foetal side effects. Since there are no adequate studies in humans, Albendazole should be used during pregnancy only when absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Albendazole passes into the breastmilk in low quantities. It is acceptable for use during breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Avoid taking Albendazole if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Animal studies have shown severe foetal side effects. Since there are no adequate studies in humans, Albendazole should be used during pregnancy only when absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Albendazole passes into the breastmilk in low quantities. It is acceptable for use during breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Use in children
Since children below eight years of age may experience difficulties in swallowing Albendazole as a whole, the tablet may be crushed/chewed and swallowed with an adequate amount of water. Alternatively, the suspension form of this medicine may be considered.
Women of child-bearing age
It is recommended to avoid pregnancy while on treatment with Albendazole, or within one month of completing treatment due to the increased risk of foetal side effects.
Driving or Operating machinery
Albendazole may cause dizziness. Do not drive vehicles or operate machines if you experience any symptoms that may affect your mental alertness.
Other Medicines
Albendazole may interact with other medicines and may cause undesired side effects. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs or supplements before taking this medicine.
Missed Dose
Try not to skip 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 one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
Overdose
Do not take excess dose than prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor in case of an overdose with Albendazole.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Carbamazepine
Clozapine
Phenytoin
Disease interactions
Liver Disease
Albendazole should be used with caution if you have a history of pre-existing liver problems due to the increased risk of liver damage. Your doctor may closely monitor your kidney functioning if required, based on your clinical condition.
Seizures
If you have neurocysticercosis (a serious infection of the brain), take Albendazole with caution, due to the increased risk of side effects. Treatment with an anti-seizure medication may be required based on your clinical condition.
Myelosuppression
Myelosuppression is a condition in which there is reduced production of blood cells in your body. In such conditions, Albendazole is not recommended as it may further lower your red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Albendazole with food. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your condition.
Albendazole may result in a low blood cell count. Periodic monitoring of your blood cell count is recommended.
Do not drive vehicles or operate machines if you experience any symptoms that may affect your alertness after taking Albendazole.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Albendazole works by decreasing the energy sources of the parasite. This medicine reduces the sugar and nutrient uptake of the parasite, making it weaker, and eventually killing it.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anthelmintics
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Albendazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ALBENZA- albendazole tablet, film coated. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Rad-ar.or.jp. 2021. Search results detail| Kusurino-Shiori(Drug information Sheet). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 21 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 17 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
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